Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine the salt/pepper to taste, 2 teaspoons curry powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir the spices together to fully combine. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon and sprinkle the spice blend over the fillets. Use your hands to rub the spice blend into the salmon until evenly coated. Then set aside.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the salmon into the skillet. Let the salmon sear undisturbed until the fillets achieve a deep, golden sear, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the salmon to continue searing on the other side, about 1-2 minutes, or until your desired level of doneness is achieved. Set the seared salmon fillets aside onto a clean plate while you prepare the coconut curry sauce. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low.

Coat the bottom of the pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, sprinkle in the remaining 1 tablespoon of curry powder. Use a wooden utensil to stir the spice into the oil, burning the curry in the oil, stirring frequently, until the curry is fragrant and well-bloomed, about 30 seconds.

Add the butter, bell pepper, and onion into the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until translucent and softened. Then add the garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, and allspice. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the coconut milk and add the scotch bonnet pepper (if using); stir everything together to combine. Allow the sauce to come up to a gentle simmer and then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Taste test and season with more salt/pepper to taste. Add the salmon fillets back into the skillet along with any residual juices. Spoon some of the sauce over the salmon and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Discard the scotch bonnet pepper. Serve this coconut curry salmon immediately alongside your favorite side dishes, such as jasmine rice. Enjoy!