Coconut-Crusted Salmon with Coconut Chili Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey 
• 3 tablespoon juice of lime fresh
• 0.3 cup panko bread crumbs 
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil; peanut oil preferred 
• 6 servings salt and pepper as needed
• 0.5 tablespoon thai chili paste 
• 1 cup coconut milk unsweetened
• 0.5 cup coconut or shredded unsweetened

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• baking sheet
• sauce pan
• oven
• kitchen thermometer
• spatula

Directions

1. Combine the coconut milk, 1 tablespoon lime juice, honey, and chili paste in a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the sauce reduces and thickened slightly, about 4 minutes. Season the sauce with salt to taste. The sauce may be refrigerated, covered, for up to 5 days.Prepare the fish: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375 F.
2. Combine the shredded coconut, panko, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Toss well, and then spread the mixture on a plate.
3. Brush the top sides of the salmon with lime juice. Lightly season the fish with salt and pepper. One piece at a time, dip the top side of each fillet in the coconut-panko mixture, making sure the surface is coated. Pat the mixture onto the fish, if necessary.Set a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, preferable cast-iron, over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the peanut oil. Arrange half the salmon fillets, coconut side down, in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes to sear the fish and brown the topping. carefully flip the fish over and cook another 3 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the fish to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 3 fillets.
4. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the salmon is just firm to the touch and the interior is nearly opaque, but still moist, 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness of the fish (alternatively, use an instant read thermometer; the fish will be done when the temperature reaches 130 degrees F.)
5. Place each fillet of salmon on a warmed plate.
6. Drizzle with Coconut Chili Sauce and serve.