Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry – A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner that’s packed with vibrant Thai flavors? This Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is the perfect solution! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that features tender shrimp, creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. The balance of heat from red curry paste and the cooling creaminess of coconut milk makes every bite irresistible. Serve it with steamed rice and a fresh cucumber salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

For the Coconut Curry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons mild red curry paste
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
• ½ lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
• 1 handful torn Thai basil

Toppings:

• Scallions
• Fried onions
• Cilantro
• Chili pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine the shrimp, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, turmeric, garlic powder, and white pepper. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly and set aside to marinate while you prepare the curry.

2. Prep the Vegetables

Grate the garlic and ginger. Finely chop the shallot and slice the bell pepper.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 minute per side until they turn pink and slightly caramelized. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the grated garlic, ginger, and chopped shallot, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Build the Curry Base

Deglaze the skillet with the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

6. Add the Curry Flavors

Stir in the red curry paste, brown sugar, turmeric, cumin, coriander, white pepper, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to let the spices bloom and infuse the sauce.

7. Add Coconut Milk and Simmer

Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and allow the flavors to meld together.

8. Finish the Curry

Stir in the lime juice, sriracha (if using), and Thai basil for a fresh, vibrant finish. Add the seared shrimp back into the skillet and let them simmer for 1 minute to heat through.

9. Serve

Top the curry with chopped cilantro, fried onions, scallions, and chili pepper for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the curry hot over steamed rice and with a side of crunchy cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or red pepper flakes.
• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other veggies like spinach, snap peas, or mushrooms to make the curry even heartier.
• Substitute Shrimp: Swap the shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even fish for different variations.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

This Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and aromatic flavors. The coconut milk creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that complements the bold spices, while the shrimp adds a tender, juicy bite. With fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime, the dish feels light yet deeply satisfying.

It’s a quick and easy recipe that looks and tastes impressive enough for dinner parties, but simple enough to enjoy on a weeknight. Serve it with steamed rice and garnish with crunchy toppings for a complete, flavorful meal that will keep you coming back for more!

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