Easy Coconut Curry Shrimp Recipe: A Taste of Tropical Delight

Welcome to your new favorite dish! This easy Coconut curry shrimp recipe is not only simple to make but also brings an explosion of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to tropical shores. Originating from Southeast Asian cuisine, coconut curry shrimp combines the creaminess of coconut milk with aromatic spices to create a tantalizing meal that can be ready in less than 30 minutes. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this homemade Coconut curry shrimp from scratch will delight you with its authenticity and deliciousness. Bonus: this enticing recipe can easily be modified to cater to various dietary needs, making it suitable for everyone, including a vegan Coconut curry shrimp version!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people (approximately 1 cup per serving)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Curry:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
2 tablespoons curry paste (red or yellow, based on your preference)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil for a tropical twist)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas or green beans
2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan version)
1 tablespoon lime juice
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

Possible Ingredient Swaps:

Swap shrimp for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein.
Use almond milk or cashew milk instead of coconut milk for a lighter option.
Substitute fish sauce with tamari for a gluten-free and vegan alternative.

Equipment List

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and chopping board
Small bowl for combining ingredients
Citrus juicer (if using fresh lime)
Serving dishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps to keep the shrimp from becoming watery in the curry.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm for about a minute until it shimmers.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. The combination of garlic and ginger should give off a delicious aromatic scent that fills the kitchen.
Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas or green beans. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. You want them to retain a slight crunch for added texture.
Incorporate Curry Paste: Add the curry paste to the pan, stirring it in to coat the vegetables. This should create a beautiful hue in your skillet. Allow it to cook for about 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir, until the spices become fragrant. You’ll start to notice a rich aroma wafting through the air.
Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk, mixing it with the vegetables and curry paste to create a creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be sure to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; they hold essential flavors!
Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to ensure they’re submerged in the sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp have turned opaque and are cooked through. The vibrant color of the shrimp will contrast beautifully against the creamy yellow of the curry.
Season: Once the shrimp is cooked, drizzle lime juice and add fish sauce (or soy sauce). Stir well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. If you desire a thicker sauce, let it simmer for another minute or two.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the coconut curry shrimp immediately, either on its own or over rice or quinoa, letting the flavors melt into the grains. The sight of the colorful dish topped with vibrant herbs should tantalize your guests!

Special Notes

For storing leftovers, let the coconut curry shrimp cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of coconut milk to restore its creamy texture.

If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the curry base without adding the shrimp. Reheat when ready to serve, add the shrimp, and cook for just 4-5 minutes for fresh results.

Variations and Customizations

Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth in place of fish sauce.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces are gluten-free, such as using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Additional Garnishes: Top with sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information

This recipe provides estimated nutrition data:

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g

Engaging Visual Details

Imagine the vibrant orange and yellow hues of the coconut curry sauce, showcasing glistening shrimp nestled amid colorful vegetables. As you prepare the dish, the fragrance of spices and coconut wafts through the air, filling your kitchen with a comforting tropical aroma. When plated, this dish should look like a piece of art, with the green cilantro providing a fresh pop of color against the creamy backdrop. Include photos of each cooking stage and the final entrée to entice readers visually.

Conclusion

Now that you have discovered how to create this easy Coconut curry shrimp recipe, it’s time to put on your apron and bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen. The creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors are sure to impress your family and friends, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and make this dish your own. Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! Or consider sharing your delicious version on Instagram with the hashtag MyDeliciousDish so we can see your creation!