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Creamy Coconut Curry Shrimp

creamy coconut curry shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy creamy coconut curry shrimp recipe with a rich, velvety sauce that balances warmth and creaminess, perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons red or yellow curry paste
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional veggies: bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. Finely chop 1 small yellow onion, mince 3 cloves garlic, and grate 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons vegetable or coconut oil. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons red or yellow curry paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the spices slightly.
  5. Slowly add 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) full-fat coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let thicken for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional), 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, turning once, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  8. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over the curry and stir to brighten the flavors.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or with warm naan bread.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Toast curry paste in oil before adding coconut milk to deepen flavor. Use full-fat coconut milk for best creaminess. Adjust seasoning with lime juice or sugar as needed. Add optional veggies during last few minutes of cooking for color and crunch. For vegan option, replace shrimp with tofu or chickpeas and use tamari or soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut curry shrimp, creamy shrimp curry, easy dinner, quick shrimp recipe, Thai curry, coconut milk shrimp, weeknight dinner