This Grilled Salmon with Thai Lemongrass-Coconut Sauce is just perfect for fresh salmon steaks or fillets (you can use previously frozen salmon as well). The sauce can be made up in minutes and is a delightful mingling of sweet, sour, and spicy. All these flavors come together in a marvelous blend of fresh lemon and lemongrass, coconut milk, honey, plus a dash of spice (garlic and chili) for a salmon-perfect combination. Makes an easy gourmet treat - great for everyday eating, or for your next barbecue party or cookout. ENJOY!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- SERVES 2-4
- 2 to 4 salmon steaks or fillets, fresh or previously frozen
- a little fresh coriander for serving
- LEMONGRASS-COCONUT SAUCE:
- 4 Tbsp. finely minced lemongrass (either fresh or frozen - available at Asian stores)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/2 to 1 fresh red chili, minced, OR 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper or dried crushed chili
- 1/2 tsp. regular chili powder
- 1/4 cup good-quality coconut milk
- 1/3 cup liquid honey
- 6 Tbsp. fish sauce
- juice of 1 lemon
- OTHER: 1 tsp. cornstarch dissolved in 3 Tbsp. water
Preparation:
- Combine all sauce ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Bltz well to create a delicious lemony sauce. (If you don't have a food processor, mince the garlic and chili, then combine with other ingredients, stirring well to dissolve the honey).
- Pour 1/3 of this sauce over the salmon - reserve the rest for later. Turn salmon pieces several times in the sauce, then cover and set in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 10 minutes or several hours.
- Grill the salmon over a hot oiled grill until the inner flesh is no longer translucent when gently pulled apart with a fork. (See below for more grilling tips)
- While salmon is grilling, place remaining sauce in a small pot or sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the cornstarch dissolved in water and stir until sauce thickens. Remove from heat. (Note: if your lemongrass is minced by hand, you may want to boil it longer in order to soften it)
- Taste-test the sauce, adding more lemon if it's too sweet for your taste, or more honey if you prefer it sweeter. You can also add more coconut for a milder, richer flavor. If desired, add more chili for a spicier sauce.
- To serve, plate up the grilled salmon and spoon some of the sauce over each portion. Add sprigs of fresh coriander and serve remaining sauce on the side together with Thai jasmine or Thai coconut rice. ENJOY!
