Zesty Coconut Shrimp Curry Recipe: A Tropical Taste Adventure

Every cook dreams of mastering a Thai coconut shrimp curry recipe that bursts with tropical flavors and silky, aromatic spices.

Bold and vibrant, this dish transports you straight to coastal kitchens where seafood reigns supreme.

The blend of succulent shrimp swimming in creamy coconut milk creates an instant sensory delight.

Rich, fragrant spices dance through each bite, promising a culinary adventure that tantalizes the palate.

Tender shrimp absorb the luxurious sauce, becoming perfectly infused with complex layers of warmth and depth.

This recipe balances heat, sweetness, and oceanic freshness in one remarkable meal.

Let’s find out a curry that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Behind Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

• Shrimp: Fresh, deveined shrimp adds delightful ocean sweetness and protein to the curry.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Enhances umami flavor while keeping sodium levels balanced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides subtle heat and vibrant color to the shrimp.
• Turmeric: Introduces earthy warmth and beautiful golden undertones.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory depth without chopping fresh garlic.
• White Pepper: Offers gentle, sophisticated spiciness with smooth finish.

• Vegetable Oil, Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, silky foundation with complementary cooking temperatures.
• Bell Pepper: Brings crisp texture and sweet, colorful dimension.
• Garlic, Ginger, Shallot: Foundational aromatics that build complex, layered flavor profile.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds liquid depth and enhances overall moisture.
• Red Curry Paste: Delivers authentic Thai flavor with balanced spice blend.
• Brown Sugar: Balances heat with subtle caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground Spices (Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander): Create warm, sophisticated spice matrix.
• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Intensify umami and provide savory saltiness.
• Coconut Milk: Creates luxurious, creamy texture with tropical undertones.
• Lime Juice: Brightens entire dish with fresh, zesty acidity.
• Sriracha: Optional heat booster for spice enthusiasts.

Cookware That Simplifies Shrimp Curry Prep

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing ingredients and creating the curry sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping bell peppers, shallots, and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise chopping and slicing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for marinating shrimp with spices and seasonings.
• Grater: Helpful for grating fresh garlic and ginger.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensure accurate seasoning and spice measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

How to Simmer a Coconut Shrimp Curry with Ease

• Shrimp Seasoning

Blend savory spices into raw shrimp, creating a rich flavor profile that will infuse every bite with aromatic warmth.

• Vegetable Preparation

Chop colorful bell peppers and aromatics into delicate pieces, releasing their vibrant essence and creating texture.

• Protein Searing

Quickly kiss shrimp with high heat in a skillet, developing golden edges and sealing in succulent juices.

• Vegetable Softening

Gently transform bell peppers and fragrant ingredients into tender, translucent companions for the curry.

• Flavor Building

Create a luxurious sauce base by blending exotic curry paste, subtle spices, and umami-rich seasonings into a harmonious liquid.

• Coconut Cream Transformation

Pour silky coconut milk, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep, complex layers of flavor.

• Final Symphony

Reunite seared shrimp with the luscious sauce, adding bright citrus and herbaceous notes for a perfect balance.

• Elegant Presentation

Crown the dish with fresh herb garnishes and serve alongside fluffy rice, creating a feast for both eyes and palate.

Tips That Make Curry Sauce Creamy and Bold

• Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeply.
• Adjust heat by reducing or increasing curry paste and sriracha amounts – start conservative and taste as you go for personalized zest.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or white fish for diverse meal experiences while maintaining the curry's authentic Thai flavor profile.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent seafood from becoming rubbery and preserve delicate textures.
• Expand nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bamboo shoots, snow peas, or spinach during the simmering stage for more robust meal complexity.

Plating Ideas for Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

• Tropical Plating Paradise: Arrange the curry in a wide, shallow bowl with a mound of fragrant jasmine rice on the side, creating a stunning color contrast that makes the dish pop.
• Texture Explosion: Sprinkle crispy fried onions and fresh chopped scallions just before serving to add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy curry sauce.
• Refreshing Sidekick: Pair the spicy curry with a cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and fresh herbs to balance the rich, warm flavors of the main dish.
• Herb Garden Finish: Scatter fresh basil and cilantro leaves over the top, allowing their bright, aromatic notes to lift the entire curry and provide a fresh, zesty touch.

How to Refrigerate Leftover Shrimp Curry Right

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare extra curry sauce and store separately from shrimp for up to 3 days in airtight containers, allowing quick weeknight meal assembly.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Seal cooled curry without rice in freezer-safe containers, keeping for 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain shrimp's tender texture.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance, storing prepped ingredients in sealed containers within the refrigerator for streamlined cooking during busy days.
• Leftover Transformation: Transform remaining curry into delicious lunch wraps by adding fresh herbs, rolling in tortillas, or tossing with mixed greens for a refreshing next-day meal option.

Creamy Coconut Shrimp Curry Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy coconut shrimp curry blends Thai flavors with succulent seafood and rich coconut milk. Fragrant herbs and zesty spices create a perfect balance for home cooks seeking authentic international cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps mild red curry paste
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ lime, juiced
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
• 1 handful torn Thai basil
• Scallions
• Fried onions
• Cilantro
• Chili pepper

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Instructions

1. Marination: Infuse shrimp with soy sauce, red pepper flakes, turmeric, garlic powder, and white pepper, allowing ingredients to meld for 10-15 minutes.
2. Preparation: Finely grate garlic and ginger, uniformly chop shallots and bell peppers to create a consistent flavor foundation.
3. Searing: Melt vegetable oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, quickly sear shrimp for 1 minute per side until light pink and golden, then transfer to a clean plate.
4. Vegetable Sautéing: Caramelize bell peppers in the same skillet for 4-5 minutes, then introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped shallots, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
5. Sauce Development: Deglaze the skillet with broth, scraping browned bits, then integrate Thai red curry paste, additional spices, sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce, simmering for 1-2 minutes.
6. Coconut Integration: Pour full-fat coconut milk, reduce heat, and allow sauce to thicken for 4-5 minutes, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
7. Final Touches: Stir in lime juice, sriracha, Thai basil leaves, and previously seared shrimp, cooking for an additional minute to harmonize flavors.
8. Plating: Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, crispy fried onions, and sliced scallions, serving immediately alongside steamed jasmine rice and cucumber salad.

Notes

Optimize Shrimp Marination: Let shrimp sit in marinade for exactly 10-15 minutes to maximize flavor penetration without breaking down protein texture.

Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose large, deveined shrimp and high-quality coconut milk for authentic, rich Thai curry experience with maximum flavor depth.

Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat when searing shrimp to achieve perfect golden exterior while keeping interior tender and juicy.

Balance Spice and Creaminess: Adjust red curry paste and coconut milk ratio to create harmonious blend of heat and smoothness according to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg