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Quick Creamy Coconut Curry Shrimp

quick creamy coconut curry shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy creamy coconut curry shrimp recipe ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features a silky coconut milk sauce infused with curry, garlic, and ginger, served over rice or with naan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined medium to large shrimp
  • 1 can (13.5 oz/400ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish
  • Optional: 1 small chili or red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fish sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: peel and devein the shrimp if not prepped, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, finely chop the onion, and juice the lime (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance without burning.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of curry powder and stir well to coat the onion mixture. The spices will bloom and turn the mixture a rich golden color.
  5. Slowly pour in the entire can of coconut milk (about 400ml). Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamier.
  7. Nestle the shrimp into the sauce in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until they start turning pink, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until opaque and firm.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir gently. If using, add fresh chili or fish sauce for extra flavor.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped cilantro or basil over the top, and serve immediately over steamed rice or with warm naan bread.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, simmer longer. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Fresh lime juice and herbs brighten the dish. Can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu and coconut milk with almond or oat milk for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut curry shrimp, quick dinner, creamy curry, shrimp recipe, easy weeknight meal, coconut milk curry, spicy shrimp, gluten-free shrimp curry