Coconut Curry Shrimp

Make dinner extraordinary with this flavorful Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe! This easy one-pot dish features tender, juicy shrimp simmered in a creamy coconut milk curry infused with bold spices, fresh thyme, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining, this recipe is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Packed with protein and customizable with your favorite veggies, this hearty dish is a must-try for curry lovers. Ready in under an hour, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone craving a taste of the tropics!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1½ yellow onions, sliced into strips
• 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
• 1 lb Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or 2 fresh scotch bonnet peppers, diced)
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1½ cups seafood or chicken stock
• 1 tbsp salt (plus additional to taste)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper (plus additional to taste)
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Season the Shrimp

• In a small bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of curry powder. Mix well and refrigerate.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat 2 tablespoons of EVOO in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.

3. Build the Base

• Add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the remaining curry powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and let the spices fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Liquid and Potatoes

• Pour in the coconut milk, stock, and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the diced potatoes, cover the pot, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

5. Finish with Shrimp

• Taste the curry base and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
• Add the seasoned shrimp, stir, and cover the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Turn off the heat. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the curry and stir gently.
• Serve hot over rice and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy coconut milk combined with bold curry spices creates a perfect balance of flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a delicious meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat level, swap proteins, or include your favorite vegetables.
• Comfort Food: A warm, hearty dish perfect for any season.

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Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well too—just thaw before using.
• Frying the spices enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step!
• For a thicker curry, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or fish.
• Vegetable Additions: Include spinach, zucchini, or green beans for added nutrition.
• Milder Curry: Reduce the cayenne pepper or use a mild curry powder.
• Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable stock.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this curry in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the curry base ahead of time. Add the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The heat level depends on the cayenne or scotch bonnet peppers. Adjust to your taste.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or coconut rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with naan bread or roti to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Add a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

This Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, offering bold flavors, tender shrimp, and creamy goodness in every bite!