Welcome to the delicious world of curries! This simple shrimp curry recipe infuses the sweetness of shrimp with a tangy and rich curry sauce. The summery lime and cilantro give it a fresh and vibrant twist. It's a comforting dish that's not only tasty but also pretty adaptable to your taste buds.
This recipe includes some ingredients that might not be readily available in every kitchen. Fresh ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and coconut milk are integral to the dish's unique flavor. These ingredients are easily found in the international or Asian section of your supermarket. Remember to pick a good quality curry powder as it can greatly impact the taste of your curry.
Ingredients for Delicious Shrimp Curry
Shrimp: The star of the dish, brings a unique sweet and delicate flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Used for basic seasoning.
Lime juice: Adds a burst of citrusy freshness.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory element.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweet flavor.
Fresh ginger: Gives a punch of spicy, aromatic flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the savory taste.
Curry powder: The essential spice blend for the curry.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy flavor.
Turmeric: Provides a distinct earthy flavor and yellow color.
Tomatoes: Adds a tangy taste.
Coconut milk: Makes the curry creamy and rich.
Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent.
Cilantro: For garnish and added freshness.
One reader, Joannes South says:
This shrimp curry recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a perfect blend of spicy and savory, and the shrimp is so tender. The coconut milk adds a creamy richness that takes it to the next level. It's now a family favorite in our house!
Key Techniques for Making Delicious Shrimp Curry
How to cook the onion: Cook the onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
How to prepare the sauce: Stir in the bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and spices, and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add the tomatoes, coconut milk, and lime juice, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
How to thicken the sauce (optional): Combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add the mixture to the sauce a bit at a time to reach the desired consistency. Cook for 1 minute.
How to cook the shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked through.
How to serve: Serve the shrimp curry over rice with lime and cilantro.
How To Make Shrimp Curry
Want a restaurant-quality dinner at home? This shrimp curry recipe is easy to make so you can enjoy tender shrimp in rich coconut curry sauce at any time.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbsshrimppeeled and deveined
- salt and pepper
- 1tbsplime juice
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½onionfinely chopped
- 1redbell peppersliced
- 1½tspfresh gingergrated
- 3clovesgarlicminced
- 1½tspcurry powder
- ⅛tspcayenne pepperor to taste
- ½tspground cumin
- 1tsptumeric
- 14oztomatoescanned diced , drained
- 14ozcoconut milk
- 1tbspcornstarch
- limefor garnish
- cilantrofor garnish
Instructions
-
Cook onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
-
Stir in bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and spices, cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
-
Add tomatoes, coconut milk, and lime juice and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Optional:
-
To thicken the sauce, combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Add to the sauce a bit at a time to reach the desired consistency. Cook for 1 minute.
-
Stir in the shrimp and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through. Taste and season with salt before serving.
-
Serve over rice with lime and cilantro.
Nutrition
- Calories: 410.69kcal
- Fat: 26.90g
- Saturated Fat: 19.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.27g
- Carbohydrates: 19.55g
- Fiber: 4.04g
- Sugar: 5.21g
- Protein: 27.33g
- Cholesterol: 214.32mg
- Sodium: 1074.84mg
- Calcium: 155.91mg
- Potassium: 846.80mg
- Iron: 5.24mg
- Vitamin A: 197.00µg
- Vitamin C: 65.20mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Shrimp Curry
When cooking the shrimp, ensure they are not overcooked as they can become tough and chewy. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes. You'll know they're done when they turn pink and opaque. If you're unsure, cut into one; it should be slightly translucent in the center.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shrimp Curry
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure out spices, and devein shrimp in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a single pot or pan to minimize clean-up and simplify the cooking process.
Quick-cook shrimp: Use pre-cooked shrimp to reduce cooking time and ensure a speedy meal preparation.
Efficient multitasking: While the curry simmers, prepare the rice or any side dishes to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Organized workspace: Keep your ingredients and utensils organized and within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items during cooking.
Fresh and frozen: Utilize a combination of fresh and frozen ingredients to save time without compromising on flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Curry Recipe
shrimp - Substitute with chicken or tofu: Chicken or tofu can be used as a substitute for shrimp in this curry recipe. Both options provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the curry well.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers. They offer a slightly different flavor but still provide a sweet and crunchy element to the dish.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for curry powder to add warm and aromatic flavors to the dish.
coconut milk - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream can be used as a substitute for coconut milk to create a creamy and rich base for the curry.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime to add a citrusy brightness to the dish.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro to add a fresh and herbaceous element to the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Your Shrimp Curry
Elevate the plating: Arrange the shrimp curry in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each element is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Garnish with precision: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top of the curry to bring a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate citrus accents: Place a thinly sliced lime wheel on the side of the plate to add a touch of brightness and a hint of citrus aroma to the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some areas of the plate to remain empty, creating a sense of balance and sophistication in the presentation.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish with precision and attention to symmetry, creating a visually harmonious and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Consider the vessel: Choose a high-quality, elegant plate or bowl that complements the colors and textures of the shrimp curry, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Ensure that the rich hues of the curry, the bright red of the bell peppers, and the green of the cilantro are showcased to create an enticing visual appeal.
Emphasize the aroma: Present the dish in a way that allows the aromatic scents of the curry to waft gently towards the diner, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Curry
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides, used for frying and sautéing.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for flipping and turning food while cooking.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Cooking pot: A large, deep container with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking stews, soups, and boiling pasta or grains.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, or other foods into fine pieces.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Garlic press: A tool used for crushing garlic cloves to extract their flavor.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used for blending, puréeing, or emulsifying food and other substances.
- Strainer: A tool used for separating liquids from solids by pouring the mixture through a perforated surface.
- Grill: A cooking surface used for grilling and barbecuing various foods.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used for flattening and shaping dough.
- Pastry brush: A brush used for applying egg wash, butter, or glazes to pastries and other foods.
- Mortar and pestle: Tools used for crushing and grinding ingredients into a fine paste or powder.
Storing and Freezing Shrimp Curry: A Guide
- Let the shrimp curry cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the curry, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when it was frozen.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen curry, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you're in a hurry, but be sure to stir it frequently to ensure even heating.
- Once thawed, reheat the curry in a saucepan over medium heat until it's heated through and the shrimp is cooked. You may need to add a splash of water or coconut milk to thin out the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- For best results, consume the thawed and reheated curry within 2-3 days. Avoid refreezing the curry, as this can affect its texture and quality.
- If you want to store leftover rice to serve with the curry later, keep it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of water and cover the rice before microwaving to help it retain moisture.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp Curry
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover shrimp curry to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Heat until the shrimp is warmed through and the sauce is bubbling. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensures even heating.
Microwave method: Place the leftover shrimp curry in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the shrimp is heated through and the sauce is hot. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover shrimp curry to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp is warmed through and the sauce is bubbling. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover curry.
Slow cooker method: If you have a small slow cooker or a mini crockpot, you can use it to reheat your leftover shrimp curry. Transfer the curry to the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cover and let it warm for 1-2 hours, or until the shrimp is heated through and the sauce is hot. This method is perfect for keeping the curry warm for an extended period.
Steamer method: If you have a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer, you can use it to reheat your leftover shrimp curry. Place the curry in a heat-safe dish and set it in the steamer. Cover and steam over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp is warmed through and the sauce is hot. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the dish.
Interesting Fact About Shrimp Curry
The shrimp curry recipe is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines the flavors of coconut milk, curry, and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It is a popular dish in many Southeast Asian countries and is often served with rice or naan bread. Shrimp is a good source of protein and is low in fat, making it a healthy choice for a curry dish. The combination of spices and coconut milk gives the curry a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of lime and cilantro adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the dish.
Is Making Shrimp Curry at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this shrimp curry recipe largely depends on the availability of ingredients. Shrimp can be relatively expensive, but the dish's overall cost is balanced by the use of affordable spices, vegetables, and coconut milk. The curry is a flavorful and satisfying meal, earning a solid 8/10 rating. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a reasonable option for a special dinner or gathering.
Is This Shrimp Curry Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This shrimp curry recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like shrimp, which is a lean protein source, and vegetables such as onion, red bell pepper, and tomatoes. The recipe also incorporates spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can provide various health benefits.
However, there are a few areas of concern. The recipe calls for coconut milk, which is high in saturated fat. While some saturated fat is acceptable in a balanced diet, excessive amounts can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, depending on the amount of salt used for seasoning, the dish may have a high sodium content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use light coconut milk instead of regular to reduce the saturated fat content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding carrots, zucchini, or spinach, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice as a serving option to increase the fiber and whole grain intake
- Be mindful of the amount of salt used for seasoning, and consider using low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Incorporate additional herbs and spices, such as coriander or fenugreek, to enhance the flavor profile while providing extra health benefits
Editor's Opinion on This Shrimp Curry Recipe
This shrimp curry recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of succulent shrimp, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and exotic. The addition of lime juice and cilantro adds a refreshing zing, while the bell peppers provide a satisfying crunch. The method of thickening the sauce with cornstarch ensures a luscious consistency that beautifully coats the shrimp. This dish is a perfect showcase of the vibrant and complex flavors of curry, making it a standout choice for a memorable dining experience.
Enhance Your Shrimp Curry Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Shrimp Curry
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Shrimp Curry
Why trust this Shrimp Curry Recipe:
This recipe offers a delectable combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The succulent shrimp is complemented by the aromatic blend of curry powder, cumin, and tumeric, creating a rich and fragrant curry. The addition of coconut milk lends a creamy and indulgent touch, while the use of fresh ginger and garlic guarantees a burst of vibrant flavors. The incorporation of lime juice adds a refreshing zing, enhancing the overall dish. Trust in this recipe for a tantalizing shrimp curry that will surely impress your palate.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!