If you’re craving a dinner that feels both comforting and vibrant, Curried Salmon & Herby Rice is about to become your new favorite meal. This dish brings together tender, curry-seasoned salmon fillets and beautifully fluffy rice loaded with fresh herbs—a combination that teases your senses with every bite. You’ll love how quickly this comes together on a busy evening, delivering big, bold flavors without fuss. Whether you’re new to curries or salmon, or you’re simply looking to jazz up your dinner rotation, Curried Salmon & Herby Rice manages to check all the right boxes: it’s easy, colorful, wonderfully aromatic, and utterly delicious.

Curried Salmon & Herby Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in Curried Salmon & Herby Rice is carefully chosen to boost taste, color, and aroma—nothing fussy, just good pantry staples and a handful of fresh additions. Here’s how each ingredient pulls its weight in this crowd-pleasing recipe:

Salmon Fillets: The star of the show—they bring rich flavor and satisfying texture, not to mention healthy omega-3s.

Curry Powder: Lends warmth, smoky depth, and an irresistible golden hue to the salmon.
Olive Oil: Keeps everything juicy and adds a slight fruity note to both the salmon and rice.

Lemon Juice: Brightens up every bite with acidity, balancing out the curry’s richness.

Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip them!

Ground Cumin (optional): Adds another layer of earthiness to the marinade for extra depth.
Paprika (optional): Smokes up the party just a bit and gives more color.

Basmati Rice: Its fragrant, long grains offer the perfect fluffy foundation for all the flavors on top.

Water or Vegetable Broth: Bring more flavor into the rice—broth makes things even more savory.
Fresh Parsley: Delivers brightness and fresh green color to the herby rice.

Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of herby aroma that pairs beautifully with curry and salmon.

Fresh Mint (optional): A surprise pop of cooling flavor and fragrance—try it once and you’ll be hooked.
Lemon Juice (for rice): Lifts the herby rice and ties all the flavors together.

Salt and Pepper (for rice): Make sure every bite of rice sings on its own.

How to Make Curried Salmon & Herby Rice

Step 1: Prep the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the curry powder, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin and paprika if you’re using them, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. The mixture should be fragrant and just thick enough to coat the salmon. This easy marinade takes moments to throw together, but it’s the secret to that bold, savory exterior on your salmon.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then arrange them on a plate or shallow dish. Spoon the curry marinade over each fillet, rubbing it in gently to make sure every surface is coated. Let the fillets marinate for 10–15 minutes. If you have more time, you can wait up to an hour for even deeper flavor—the aroma alone will make your mouth water!

Step 3: Prepare the Herby Rice

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add your basmati rice. Stir and toast for a few minutes until the grains are glossy and smell a little nutty. Carefully pour in water or vegetable broth, bring it all to a boil, then drop the heat to low, cover, and let everything gently simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. When the rice is tender and all the liquid’s absorbed, it’s ready for the next step.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

While the rice is cooking, get your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they flake easily and are cooked to just the right doneness for you. The spice-capped salmon will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 5: Add Herbs to the Rice

When the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley, cilantro, and mint (if using). Drizzle the lemon juice over the top, season with salt and pepper, and fold everything gently so you get herby flecks in every spoonful. This simple step is what makes herby rice so fresh and irresistible.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pile your beautiful herb-studded rice onto each plate, then top with a juicy salmon fillet. If you like, scatter a few more fresh herbs on top for extra color and flavor. The contrast of golden, flaky salmon with the green, zingy rice is pure dinner magic.

How to Serve Curried Salmon & Herby Rice

Garnishes

The finishing touches really bring your Curried Salmon & Herby Rice to life. A final sprinkle of chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint makes it look restaurant-worthy and adds one more hit of freshness. A squeeze of extra lemon or a twist of black pepper takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

While Curried Salmon & Herby Rice is a satisfying main all on its own, it pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber salad, tangy yogurt sauce, or roasted veggies. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is a lovely way to round out the meal without overpowering the beautiful flavors on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, serve family-style straight from the platter, letting everyone help themselves. For a stunning dinner party, try molding the herby rice in a cup or bowl before inverting on the plate, then nestle the curried salmon fillet on top and shower with herbs. You can even flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and toss with the rice for a vibrant grain bowl effect—a fresh twist on Curried Salmon & Herby Rice that’s perfect for meal-prep lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pack the salmon and herby rice separately in airtight containers. This helps keep the rice fluffy and the salmon moist, and you’ll appreciate the flavors even more the next day as they meld together a bit more.

Freezing

The rice portion of Curried Salmon & Herby Rice freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. While salmon can be frozen too, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as freezing sometimes alters the texture—though it’s still delicious if you’re meal prepping!

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it tender, or on the stovetop. The salmon can be warmed in a low oven or microwave, just until heated through. Take care not to overcook during reheating so your Curried Salmon & Herby Rice stays succulent and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm, flaky fish like cod, haddock, or trout all work well with the curry marinade. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as thinner fillets may need a few less minutes in the oven.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Of course! For extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced fresh chili to the marinade. You can also serve with spicy chutney or drizzle a little chili oil on top before serving.

Can I make Curried Salmon & Herby Rice dairy-free and gluten-free?

The great news is, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written. Just double-check your curry powder and broth to be sure they meet your dietary needs.

What’s the best rice substitute for this recipe?

If you can’t find basmati, any long-grain rice works nicely. For extra nuttiness, try using brown rice (just allow for a longer cooking time), or even quinoa if you want a protein boost in your Curried Salmon & Herby Rice.

How can I make this meal ahead for a dinner party?

You can marinate the salmon and chop the herbs earlier in the day, then cook the rice and bake the salmon just before serving. The herby rice holds well covered at room temperature for a short time, making entertaining with Curried Salmon & Herby Rice delightfully stress-free!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that brings comfort and excitement to your table, and Curried Salmon & Herby Rice does exactly that. I hope you’ll give it a try—whether for a quick weeknight dinner or to wow your friends at your next gathering. Dive in, play with the flavors, and make it your own—you’re going to love every bite!

Curried Salmon & Herby Rice Recipe