Dive into the flavors of the tropics with this shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce recipe. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a fragrant coconut curry sauce. It's an easy weeknight dish that brings a hint of the exotic to your dining table. The use of fresh ingredients like onion, garlic, jalapeno, ginger, and cilantro enhances the flavors, while the coconut milk adds a creamy texture to the sauce. The curry powder not only gives the sauce its distinctive color but also infuses it with a mild heat that's sure to tingle your taste buds.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your home, like onion, garlic, jalapeno, and ginger. However, some like unsweetened coconut milk and mild curry powder might need a quick trip to the supermarket. Unsweetened coconut milk is different from the sweet variety often used in desserts and can be found in the Asian food section. Curry powder is a blend of multiple spices, resulting in a complex flavor that is both sweet and spicy. The large shrimp are the star of the dish, so buy the freshest you can find.
Ingredients for Shrimp with Coconut-Curry Tomato Sauce
Peanut oil: A neutral oil that can withstand high cooking temperatures. Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the sauce. Garlic: Gives off a strong, pungent flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. Jalapeno: Offers a spicy kick to the sauce. Fresh ginger: Provides a hot, fragrant flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Mild curry powder: Adds a warm and earthy flavor. Italian peeled tomatoes: Adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the sauce. Unsweetened coconut milk: Provides a thick, creamy texture and mild sweetness to the sauce. Sugar: Balances the flavors of the sauce. Shrimp: The star of the dish, they bring a delicate, sweet flavor. Cilantro: Garnishes the dish with a fresh and tangy flavor.
One reader, Euell Samson says:
This shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a perfect blend of spicy and creamy, and the shrimp is cooked to perfection. It's a delightful dish that's easy to make and impresses every time. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and exotic meal!
Key Techniques for Making Shrimp with Coconut-Curry Tomato Sauce
How to prepare the coconut-curry tomato sauce: This involves sautéing the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and ginger in peanut oil, then adding curry powder, tomatoes, coconut milk, and sugar, and simmering until slightly thickened.
How to cook the shrimp: The shrimp are cooked in a skillet with peanut oil until lightly browned but not fully cooked through, then the coconut-curry sauce is added and simmered until the shrimp are just cooked through.
How to serve with steamed rice and lime wedges: The dish is served with steamed white or brown rice and lime wedges on the side for added flavor.
How To Make Shrimp with Coconut-Curry Tomato Sauce
The shrimp are browned and simmered in a creamy coconut curry made with jalapenos and ginger for added spice. Serve it over rice for a filling dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbsppeanut oil,or canola
- 1medium onion
- 1garlic clove
- 1jalapeno
- ½tbspfresh ginger,minced
- 1½tbspmild curry powder
- 28ozItalian peeled tomatoes,(1 can)
- 14ozunsweetened coconut milk,(1 can)
- 1tspsugar
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1¼lbslarge shrimp,shelled and deveined
- ¼cupcilantro,very coarsely chopped
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the peanut oil until shimmering.
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Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and ginger and cook for about 5 minutes over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened.
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Add the curry powder and cook until fragrant.
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Add the tomatoes and their juices, coconut milk, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
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Simmer over moderate heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut oil until almost smoking.
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Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes over moderately high heat, turning once, until lightly browned but not cooked through.
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Add the coconut-curry sauce to the skillet and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it is thickened and the shrimp are just cooked through.
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Stir in the cilantro and serve.
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Serve With: Steamed white or brown rice and lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450.70kcal
- Fat: 33.55g
- Saturated Fat: 20.98g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.15g
- Carbohydrates: 18.31g
- Fiber: 4.63g
- Sugar: 7.68g
- Protein: 23.95g
- Cholesterol: 178.60mg
- Sodium: 1134.64mg
- Calcium: 142.21mg
- Potassium: 956.07mg
- Iron: 4.81mg
- Vitamin A: 165.57µg
- Vitamin C: 34.92mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Shrimp Curry
When cooking the shrimp, it's important not to overcook them as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes. They will turn from a grayish color to pink and opaque when they're done. Also, adding the cilantro at the end of the cooking process helps to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shrimp Curry
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process smoother.
Use frozen shrimp: Using pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp can save time on preparation.
Quick simmer: Simmer the coconut-curry tomato sauce while the shrimp is cooking to save time and ensure everything is ready at the same time.
One-pot meal: Consider using a large skillet to cook the shrimp and sauce together, reducing the number of dishes to clean up later.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion of the coconut-curry tomato sauce and freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Efficient multitasking: While the sauce is simmering, use that time to prepare the shrimp and any side dishes to save time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp with Coconut-Curry Tomato Sauce Recipe
peanut oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Peanut oil can be substituted with vegetable oil, which has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing and frying.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapenos, as they have a similar heat level and flavor profile.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger in this recipe, providing a convenient alternative with a slightly different flavor profile.
mild curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for mild curry powder, adding a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish.
italian peeled tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for Italian peeled tomatoes, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
unsweetened coconut milk - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for unsweetened coconut milk, providing a richer and creamier texture to the dish.
shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops can be used as a substitute for shrimp, offering a delicate and sweet flavor that pairs well with the coconut-curry tomato sauce.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Shrimp Curry
Elevate the plating: Arrange the shrimp in a circular pattern on the plate, with the coconut-curry tomato sauce drizzled artistically around the shrimp. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a delicate coconut tuile or a crispy shrimp chip, to provide a textural contrast to the succulent shrimp and velvety sauce.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the dish looks visually appealing and balanced. Precision in plating demonstrates attention to detail and elevates the overall dining experience.
Highlight vibrant colors: Introduce a vibrant element to the plate, such as a small side salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette, to add a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the shrimp and coconut-curry tomato sauce.
Emphasize elegance: Consider using fine dining techniques, such as quenelle-shaped coconut rice or delicately arranged microgreens, to add an element of sophistication and refinement to the presentation of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Curry
- Medium saucepan: A medium-sized cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, or simmering ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, or reheating food.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing foods.
- Large skillet: A larger version of a skillet, used for cooking larger quantities of food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing salads.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food items.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and turning food.
- Wooden spoon: A spoon made of wood, used for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and holding food items.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring dry and liquid ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes, used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations, used for draining liquids from food items.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans and tins.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil with a handle and wire loops, used for beating, whipping, and stirring ingredients.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Shrimp with Coconut-Curry Tomato Sauce
To store leftover shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, ensure that the shrimp is heated through thoroughly to avoid any food safety concerns. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is simmering and the shrimp is hot.
For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp curry for up to 2-3 months:
- Transfer the cooled curry to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- To thaw, place the frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed curry in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and simmering. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce appears too thick.
If you plan to freeze the curry, it's best to slightly undercook the shrimp initially, as they may become tough and rubbery when reheated after freezing.
To maintain the best texture of the shrimp, you can also freeze the coconut-curry tomato sauce separately and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating the sauce.
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Shrimp Curry
Reheat the shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the sauce is evenly heated and the shrimp remain tender without overcooking.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of coconut milk or water to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid and achieve a smooth consistency.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer the shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce is heated through and the shrimp are warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the shrimp to become rubbery.
If you have leftover rice, you can reheat it separately in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water to steam it back to life. Serve the reheated shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce over the warm rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
To add a fresh touch to your reheated dish, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This will brighten up the flavors and give your leftover shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce a new lease on life.
Interesting Trivia About Shrimp with Coconut-Curry Tomato Sauce
Shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce is a popular dish in Thai cuisine. It combines the flavors of coconut milk, curry, and tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful sauce for the shrimp. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
Budget-Friendly: Making Shrimp Curry at Home
This shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of shrimp and coconut milk may increase the overall cost, but the dish's flavor and quality justify the expense. The combination of spices and coconut milk creates a rich and aromatic sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, depending on the availability and pricing of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Shrimp Curry Recipe Healthy?
The shrimp with coconut-curry tomato sauce recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce. While it does have some healthy ingredients, such as shrimp, tomatoes, and coconut milk, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it a more well-rounded and nutritious meal.
On the positive side, shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and rich in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Tomatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Coconut milk, although high in saturated fat, contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are easily digestible and may boost metabolism.
However, the recipe also includes a significant amount of fat from the peanut oil and coconut milk, which can contribute to a higher calorie count. Additionally, the use of canned tomatoes may increase the sodium content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of peanut oil used for cooking, or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or coconut oil
- Use light coconut milk instead of regular to lower the calorie and fat content
- Opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes, or use fresh tomatoes to have better control over the sodium levels
- Increase the number of vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor and nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can transform this delicious shrimp dish into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still retains its incredible taste and texture.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Shrimp Dish
The combination of the rich coconut-curry tomato sauce and succulent shrimp creates a harmonious and flavorful dish. The aromatic blend of spices and the creaminess of the coconut milk elevate the overall taste profile. The use of fresh ingredients like ginger, jalapeño, and cilantro adds a vibrant and refreshing element. The cooking technique of searing the shrimp and then simmering them in the sauce ensures a perfect texture and infusion of flavors. This dish is a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and savory notes, making it a standout choice for a memorable dining experience.
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Why trust this Shrimp with Coconut-Curry Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the succulent shrimp with a rich and aromatic coconut-curry tomato sauce. The use of fresh ginger and jalapeno adds a zesty kick, while the combination of mild curry powder and unsweetened coconut milk creates a luscious and creamy texture. The inclusion of cilantro at the end adds a burst of freshness. With the careful balance of spices and the use of high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a truly memorable dining experience.
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