At the end of the month I’m always focused on using up what I have on hand. I enjoy working with a monthly food budget because I get shop away the first half of the month and then I challenge my creativity at the end. This process of using up all that I have really keeps me from overbuying fresh foods that might wilt or spoil before I have the chance to use them.
This recipe came about as a way for me to finish off the leftover veggies in the fridge and to finally put a can of coconut milk to use that I’ve had for a few weeks now. I wanted some protein with the meal so I turned to my freezer where I have some wild Alaskan salmon stocked up due to a recent sale.
I wanted to keep the flavors similar and I often coat chicken with coconut so I decided to try it with salmon too. A little curry with the veggies and the meal was set.
I wanted to keep the flavors similar and I often coat chicken with coconut so I decided to try it with salmon too. A little curry with the veggies and the meal was set.
I wasn’t sure how the coconut and curry would mesh with the flavor of salmon, but I was pleased with the result. Creamy, spicy, sweet and salty, it is almost as if the three were made for each other.
Coconut Crusted Salmon over Cauliflower & 
Kale in Curry Coconut Milk
Kale in Curry Coconut Milk1 tbsp olive oil
½ small onion, sliced
½ large head of cauliflower, florets sliced
1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped, about 3 cups raw
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp curry powder
½ can coconut milk
2 salmon filets, thawed
2 tsp olive oil
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
1/8 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
Pinch of salt and pepper
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
1/8 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
Pinch of salt and pepper
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Next add the cauliflower and kale. Turn to coat the vegetables in the oil and cook until the cauliflower is slightly browned and the kale begins to wilt, about 3 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper and curry powder, add the coconut milk. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low, cover and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
The salmon can be prepared in a variety of ways. I use a grill pan with a press. This doesn’t result in the tenderest salmon, but it is the quickest method for me with very easy clean-up. Searing it in a standard skillet or baking it would work well too.
In a small dish, combine the bread crumbs, coconut, salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over both salmon filets. Place the filets in the pre-heated grill pan. Top with crumb mixture, pressing it into the fish. Place the press on top of the salmon and cook on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes. Remove the press and gently flip the salmon, place the press on top again and allow to cook 3 to 4 more minutes or until the fish is cooked through. Divide the vegetables on two plates, top each with a salmon filet, and serve.
I love the coconut crust and your addition of curry powder to the vegetables is fantastic! Such great flavors in this delicious dish!
Yup, this is going on our menu soon. I think the coconut milk with the salmon is just going to be great!
Im excited to try this… I haven’t had anything like it yet but I’m craving for it.. is that possible to crave for something you haven’t tried… oh well..
Love this! Coconut and coconut milk makes anything delicious–especially seafood and the curried veggies are perfect with it. Great dish!
This sounds really delicious Lori! I love the coconut on the salmon and the veggies in coconut milk and curry – such wonderful flavors.
This recipe looks very sophisticated, and this is a wonderful combination of flavors.
That does sound good. I was not sure about the coconut salmon combo but if you say its delish that works for me. Sounds yummy!
It’s all good! Kale and cauliflower are two veggies for which I’ve finally gained a proper appreciation, while coconut and curry are always favorites. What a great combination of flavors and a delicious end-of-the-month leftover clean-up!
What a great looking salmon recipe! Salmon with coconut crust would be amazing! thanks for sharing!
Loving all the great Cauliflower recipes I’m finding in the blogosphere these days. I’m thinking about doing a cauliflower themed dinner this Sunday so I can try out all the great recipes. Think you managed to score high on the creativity scale with this one!
Does that seriously taste as good as it looks? I think I just drooled a little bit! Definately surprising my boyfriend with that this weekend 😉