Delicious & Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible **Coconut Shrimp Curry**! This dish features succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a rich, creamy coconut sauce, bursting with fragrant spices and a depth of flavor that will transport you straight to the heart of India. It’s a truly easy and utterly delicious meal, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a special weekend treat.

If you’re a fan of vibrant Indian cuisine, you’re in for a real treat. While classics like Saag Paneer and Keto Butter Chicken are undeniable favorites, this shrimp curry is a serious contender for the top spot. Its simplicity, speed, and incredible taste make it a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Coconut Shrimp Curry

There are countless reasons why this particular **Coconut Shrimp Curry** recipe has earned its place as a cherished favorite. Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, it offers a perfect blend of convenience, health benefits, and adaptable flavors:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Imagine plump, juicy shrimp enveloped in a velvety coconut sauce, infused with a harmonious blend of warming spices like mustard seeds, cardamom, and cinnamon, balanced by the gentle kick of green chilies. It’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy notes that truly satisfies.
Lightning-Fast Preparation: This is the ultimate weeknight warrior! From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. That means less time cooking and more time enjoying a gourmet-quality meal with your family.
Healthy & Wholesome: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, while coconut milk provides healthy fats. The array of Indian spices not only adds flavor but also comes with a host of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Amazingly Versatile: While shrimp is the star, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and can be adapted to your preferences. Don’t have shrimp? Chicken, fish, or even plant-based proteins work wonderfully. You can also easily add your favorite vegetables for an even heartier meal.
Comfort Food at its Finest: There’s something inherently comforting about a creamy, flavorful curry. Served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling completely satisfied.

Crafting the Perfect Coconut Shrimp Curry: A Step-by-Step Guide

The inspiration for this recipe stemmed from my popular Coconut Chicken Curry. I was craving a mildly spiced, creamy meal, perfectly suited to be served over a mound of soft, white basmati rice. Since shrimp is a pantry staple for me, it was a natural fit. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to bring this sensational dish to life:

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Curry

While the full list is in the recipe card below, understanding the role of key ingredients enhances your cooking experience:

Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
Aromatics: A small onion, along with fresh ginger-garlic paste, forms the foundational flavor base, essential for any authentic Indian curry.
Whole Spices: Mustard seeds, cardamom pods, green chilies, and a cinnamon stick are toasted at the beginning. This “blooming” process awakens their essential oils, releasing incredibly fragrant aromas and deep flavors into the dish.
Ground Spices: Turmeric provides its characteristic golden hue and earthy notes, while garam masala (more on this below!) adds a complex, warming spice blend.
Tomato Sauce: A small amount of tomato sauce adds a pleasant tang and helps to thicken the curry, contributing to its rich texture.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is highly recommended for that lusciously creamy texture and authentic flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: This isn’t just a garnish; fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish that perfectly complements the rich curry.

Cooking Method for Your Delicious Shrimp Curry

Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable **Coconut Shrimp Curry**:

Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp generously with salt. Set them aside to absorb the seasoning while you prepare the curry base.
Toast the Spices: Heat a large skillet with high sides over medium heat and drizzle with a little olive oil. Once hot, add the mustard seeds, cardamom seeds, green chilies, and cinnamon stick. Cook for just one minute, stirring constantly, or until the mustard seeds begin to pop and the kitchen fills with a wonderful aroma. This step is crucial for building deep flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics: Next, add the finely diced onions and the ginger-garlic paste to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent.
Infuse with Ground Spices: Stir in the turmeric and garam masala. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast lightly and release their full flavor. Season with a pinch more salt at this stage.

Add Tomato Sauce & Shrimp: Stir in the tomato sauce and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed. Now, it’s time for the star of the show – the shrimp! Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cover the skillet and allow it to cook for 8-10 minutes. Shrimp cooks quickly, so this short cooking time ensures they remain tender and succulent, not rubbery.
Finish with Coconut Milk: Finally, pour in the creamy coconut milk. Stir gently to combine everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just enough time for the flavors to meld and the sauce to warm through without overcooking the shrimp. Do a final taste test and adjust any seasonings one last time.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and generously garnish with fresh cilantro. That’s it! Your delectable **Indian Shrimp Curry** is now ready to serve and enjoy!

What is Garam Masala?

Garam Masala is a cornerstone of Indian cooking, a fragrant blend of ground spices used throughout India and South Asia. The name “Garam Masala” literally translates to “hot spice mixture,” though not necessarily hot in terms of chili heat, but rather warming. It’s often added towards the end of cooking to preserve its delicate aromas. While you can certainly buy a high-quality pre-mixed garam masala, you can also create your own fresh blend at home if you have the following whole spices on hand:

Coriander seeds
Red Chili Powder (for heat, optional)
Cumin seeds
Black Peppercorns
Cinnamon stick
Cloves
Mace
Star Anise
Fennel seeds

To make your own, simply toast the whole spices lightly in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder. This homemade blend will undoubtedly elevate your curry to another level.

Coconut Milk Alternatives: What Can I Use Instead?

While coconut milk is central to the name and signature creaminess of this **Coconut Shrimp Curry**, there are situations where you might need a substitute. If you don’t have coconut milk on hand or prefer a different flavor profile, you have a few excellent options:

Heavy Cream: This is an excellent choice for achieving a rich, creamy texture. It will give the curry a slightly different flavor, leaning more towards a classic Western-style cream sauce, but it works beautifully.
Half and Half: A lighter alternative to heavy cream, half and half will still provide a creamy consistency without being too rich.
Cashew Cream: For a dairy-free, nut-based alternative that still offers creaminess, blend soaked cashews with a little water until smooth. This is a fantastic option for mimicking the texture of coconut milk without the coconut flavor.
Almond Milk (Unsweetened): While thinner, unsweetened almond milk can be used in a pinch, though the final curry will be less creamy. You might want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to thicken it slightly if using this option.

Serving Your Irresistible Coconut Shrimp Curry

This **Coconut Shrimp Curry** is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While fluffy basmati rice is a classic and highly recommended accompaniment to soak up all that delicious sauce, don’t limit yourself! Here are some fantastic serving ideas:

Basmati Rice: The quintessential pairing. Its aromatic grains are perfect for absorbing the rich, creamy curry sauce.
Garlic Naan or Roti: Warm, soft naan bread, especially garlic naan, is phenomenal for scooping up every last drop of the curry. The slight char and buttery flavor are a match made in heaven.
Other Breads: Honey Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread might seem an unconventional choice, but it’s surprisingly good! The sweet and savory notes of cornbread, especially when dipped in a spicy sauce, are a revelation. Try it – it soaks up the flavors beautifully!
Quinoa or Couscous: For a lighter, healthier alternative to rice, quinoa or couscous also work well.
Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute that still allows you to enjoy the full flavor of the curry.
Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of steamed greens like spinach, broccoli, or green beans can add freshness and nutritional value to your meal.

No matter how you serve it, a generous sprinkling of fresh cilantro is an absolute must. It adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that truly brightens the entire dish and ties all the flavors together.

Tips for Success: Making Your Curry Perfect Every Time

Achieving a restaurant-quality **Coconut Shrimp Curry** at home is easier than you think, especially with a few key tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is perhaps the most important tip. Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically turning opaque and pink in just a few minutes. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Stick to the suggested cooking times; they’re there for a reason!
Bloom Your Spices: Don’t skip the step of toasting the whole spices in oil at the beginning. This process, called “blooming,” releases their aromatic compounds, intensifying their flavor and infusing the oil with a delicious foundation for the curry.
Use Fresh Aromatics: While pre-minced ginger and garlic can be convenient, using fresh ginger and garlic (or a good quality ginger-garlic paste) makes a noticeable difference in the vibrancy and depth of flavor.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste your curry at various stages (after adding tomato sauce, after adding coconut milk) and adjust the salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lime juice if it needs brightening.
Choose Quality Coconut Milk: For the creamiest, most luxurious sauce, opt for full-fat coconut milk. Shake the can well before opening to ensure the cream and liquid are fully incorporated.
Control the Heat: The green chilies provide the primary source of heat. If you prefer a milder curry, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. For more heat, add an extra chili or a pinch of red chili powder.

Storage and Reheating

This **Coconut Shrimp Curry** tastes fantastic fresh, but leftovers are also a delight! Store any remaining curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Shrimp Curry

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this delicious curry:

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?: A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?: A: This recipe is designed to be mildly spiced, offering a pleasant warmth rather than intense heat. The two green chilies provide a subtle kick. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chilies (for more heat) or removing the seeds from the chilies (for less heat).
Q: Can I add vegetables to this curry?: A: Yes, definitely! This curry is wonderfully adaptable to incorporating vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, green beans, or even chunks of sweet potato can be added. If using firmer vegetables, add them after the onions and cook until tender-crisp before adding the tomato sauce.
Q: Can I make this curry ahead of time?: A: You can prepare the curry base (steps up to adding tomato sauce) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the base and then add the shrimp and coconut milk, cooking until the shrimp are just done. This ensures the shrimp don’t overcook.

This **Coconut Shrimp Curry** will undoubtedly become your go-to recipe for any night of the week! It’s incredibly satisfying, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with layers of delightful flavor. What more could you ask for from a meal?

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes:

Bang Bang Shrimp
Tomato and Basil Shrimp
Shrimp Marinade
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry
Buffalo Shrimp

5 from 2 votes

Coconut Shrimp Curry

By

Julie Maestre

Easy coconut curry shrimp recipe made in under 30 minutes! My go-to favorite weeknight meal.

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

15 minutes

Total:

20 minutes

Servings:

4
servings

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Ingredients

▢

1
lb
peeled and deveined shrimp
▢

1
small onion
▢

1
tbsp
ginger/garlic paste
▢

1
tsp
mustard seeds
▢

1
cinnamon stick
▢

2
green chilies
▢

3
cardamom seeds
▢

1/2
tbsp
garam masala
▢

1/4
tsp
turmeric
▢

8
ounces
tomato sauce
▢

1/4
cup
coconut milk
▢

salt and pepper to taste
▢

bunch of fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Season the shrimp with kosher salt and set aside.
Drizzle a large skillet with olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
Add the mustard seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom seeds, green chilies, and cook for 1 minute.
Add the onions and ginger/garlic paste, cook until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the garam masala, turmeric powder, and season with salt.
Stir in the tomato sauce and check for seasoning.
Add the shrimp, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Add the coconut milk and cook for an additional minute uncovered.
Garnish with cilantro, if desired and enjoy!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Course:
Entree

Cuisine:
Indian

Servings:

4
servings

Calories:
182

Keyword:
Coconut Shrimp Curry, Shrimp Curry

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