Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is a dish that takes me to Thailand with every bite. It has plump shrimp in a creamy coconut milk sauce. The sauce is filled with herbs and spices.
This curry is easy to make and perfect for any day. It’s great for a quick dinner or a fancy dinner party. In just thirty minutes, I can make a delicious Thai dish at home.
What is Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry?
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is a tasty dish. It mixes flavors and textures well. It has creamy coconut milk and juicy shrimp.
The main parts are red curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh shrimp. They all work together to make a delicious dish. Adding crispy bell peppers and spices makes it even better.
This dish is not just tasty but also looks great. Its colors are bright and appealing. It’s sweet and spicy, which people love.
Serving it over rice makes it even more special. It’s a meal that fills your heart and belly.
You can make it your own by changing the veggies and spices. It’s fun for anyone to try, whether you’re new to cooking or experienced.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry
This easy coconut shrimp curry recipe is perfect for those who love tasty and simple dishes. It takes just 25 minutes to make, rivaling the best Thai restaurants. The coconut milk and spices make every bite delicious.
It only needs a few ingredients, like shrimp and Thai red curry paste. Marinating the shrimp for 10 minutes makes the dish quick to prepare. Then, sautéing onions and adding tomatoes and coconut milk is easy. This lets the flavors mix well.
Each serving has about 258 kcal, making it a healthy meal. You can also change it to fit your diet, like adding more spice or using different proteins. It’s great for any day of the week.
The curry looks good and tastes even better. It’s full of flavor and comfort. This easy coconut shrimp curry is sure to be a hit in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Best Coconut Shrimp Curry
To make a tasty coconut shrimp curry, you need the right ingredients. These key items help make a meal full of flavor and texture.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1-2 large jalapeños, sliced (seeds optional)
- 3 tablespoons of red curry paste
- 1.5 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 14 oz of canned unsweetened coconut milk
These ingredients mix well to create a flavorful curry base.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
Customizing the dish is fun. You can change the coconut shrimp curry to your liking with these options:
- Add more vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or peas
- Incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil
- Include various spices like garlic or ginger to enhance the depth
- For a vegetarian option, substitute shrimp with tofu
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Raw shrimp | 1 pound |
| White onion | 1 |
| Red bell pepper | 1 |
| Jalapeños | 1-2 |
| Red curry paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Fish sauce | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Coconut milk | 14 oz |
How to Make Homemade Thai Curry
Making homemade Thai curry is easy and fun. First, get all your ingredients ready. This makes cooking smooth and saves time.
Preparation Steps
- Peeled and cleaned 1 pound of large shrimp.
- Thinly sliced 1 onion and 1 red bell pepper.
- Mince 4 cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of ginger.
- Chop 4 scallions, separating the whites and greens.
- Prepare a mixture of 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water for thickening.
- Gather the remaining ingredients including 2 tablespoons red curry paste, 1 can of coconut milk, and seasoning.
Cooking Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet. Cook the onions, ginger, garlic, and scallion whites for 8 to 10 minutes. They should turn golden and soft.
Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. It should get tender.
In another bowl, mix coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice. Heat it gently. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken. Add the shrimp and veggies to the skillet. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until the shrimp are pink.
Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with cilantro and lime juice. Serve with steamed rice for a great meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Red Curry Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1, thinly sliced |
| Coconut Milk | 1 can (13.5 ounces) |
| Shrimp | 1 pound, cleaned and deveined |
| Fresh Lime Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Cilantro | ¼ cup, chopped |
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Spicy Thai Curry Dish
Making a tasty spicy Thai curry is fun. First, get all your ingredients ready. Make sure you have 1 lb of large, raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp.
Heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a big skillet. Add 0.5 sliced sweet onion and 1 cup of sliced bell peppers. Cook until they’re soft. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 0.5 teaspoon of ginger for extra flavor.
Now, make the sauce. Mix in 1/2 cup of yellow curry paste and 2 tablespoons of red curry paste. Pour in two 14-ounce cans of coconut milk. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
When the sauce is thick, add the shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes on each side. Stir in 1/3 cup of sugar snap peas and fresh cilantro at the end.
Adding banana to the sauce is a good idea. It makes the curry taste even better. Follow this guide to make a delicious dish. Serve it with steamed white rice for a great meal.
Variations to Try in Your Creamy Coconut Curry Shrimp
There are many ways to make coconut shrimp curry. I like to play with the spice level. Adding more Thai red curry paste or fresh chili peppers makes it spicier.
Using green or yellow curry paste gives it a new taste. It makes the dish more interesting.
Adding vegetables makes the dish colorful and tasty. I like to add sliced zucchini, snap peas, and baby bok choy. These changes make the flavors in my creamy coconut curry shrimp even better.
Here are my favorite ways to change the dish:
| Variation | Main Change | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Coconut Shrimp Curry | Add more Thai red curry paste or fresh chilies | Serve with lime wedges for extra zest |
| Green Curry Shrimp | Substitute red curry paste with green curry paste | Add basil leaves for authentic flavor |
| Vegetable-Loaded Curry | Incorporate vegetables like zucchini and baby bok choy | Cook vegetables until tender before adding shrimp |
| Yellow Curry Variation | Replace red curry with yellow curry paste | Pair with jasmine rice for a milder dish |
| Fruity Coconut Shrimp | Add slices of fresh mango or pineapple | Garnish with crushed nuts for texture |
These changes let me make the dish my own. Each new twist keeps it exciting. It’s a fun way to enjoy this favorite meal.
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Curry with Shrimp
Serving coconut shrimp curry is a treat. It’s even better with the right sides. These pairings make the meal more enjoyable.
Best Rice Pairings
For a great coconut shrimp curry, try jasmine or basmati rice. These rices soak up the sauce well. They also match the dish’s flavors.
Looking for something different? Try:
- Cauliflower rice
- Quinoa
- Steamed rice noodles
Accompaniments and Sides
Adding fresh sides makes the meal better. A cucumber salad or Thai salad is great. They add a nice contrast to the curry.
Warm naan or crusty bread is also good. They’re perfect for dipping in the sauce. Finish with fresh herbs and lime wedges. They add a refreshing touch.
Cooking Tips for Perfecting Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry
To make a great Thai coconut shrimp curry, balance flavors is key. Start with a good base of aromatics. Add brown sugar and fish sauce for depth. Use top-notch coconut milk for creaminess.
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Add them just before finishing. They cook in just a couple of minutes.
Always taste the sauce before serving. This lets you tweak the heat and flavor. Here are some tips for coconut shrimp curry:
- Use fresh ingredients for better taste.
- Try herbs like cilantro or basil for freshness.
- Adjust spice with more or less curry paste.
- Let the sauce simmer to thicken and deepen flavors.
Plan to cook rice at the same time as your curry. This way, everything is ready together. Below is a table with important tips for a great dish.
| Aspect | Tip |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 2 servings |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut milk, shrimp, curry powder |
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | 507 kcal, 52g protein |
| Storage | Up to 3 days in the refrigerator |
Storing and Reheating Your Curry
Wondering how to store leftover Thai coconut shrimp curry? It’s important to keep it fresh and safe. Cool the dish first, then put it in a good container.
How to Store Leftovers
Let the curry cool at room temperature for a bit. But don’t leave it out for more than two hours. Then, put it in an airtight container.
It can stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it.
Freezing is good for longer storage. Divide the curry into portions for easy reheating. Use freezer bags for space-saving. Each bag should have two servings.
The curry can stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, warm the sauce first. Then add the shrimp. This way, you can heat it gently. Adding coconut milk makes it creamy again.
Here’s a quick guide for the reheating process:
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days | Heat on medium-low, keeping shrimp separate |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw in fridge for 12-24 hours, then reheat |
Remember to soak frozen curry bags in hot water before reheating. This helps even heating and saves time. These steps keep your curry as tasty as the first time.
Final Thoughts on Traditional Thai Shrimp Curry
Making traditional Thai shrimp curry is an exciting journey. It’s filled with rich flavors and comforting smells. Every spoonful is a mix of tender shrimp and creamy coconut milk, showing the heart of Thai food.
This dish excites your taste buds and is easy to make at home. It uses top ingredients like Mae Ploy or Maesri curry paste. This makes the meal feel special but not hard to do.
This dish is not only tasty but also good for you. It has about 381 calories, 26 grams of protein, and lots of vitamins. You can also change it up to fit your taste, making each time special.
Sharing this dish with loved ones is the best part. It’s not just about the food, but the memories made. Enjoy it with jasmine rice or new side dishes for a cozy treat. The most important thing is to have fun cooking and enjoying it.
