Coconut Curry Shrimp

Elevate your dinner table with this irresistible Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe! Juicy shrimp are simmered in a creamy, spiced coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic curry powder, garlic, and fresh herbs. Paired with tender potatoes and vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and onions, this dish is perfect served over rice for a satisfying, wholesome meal. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. Customize it with your favorite proteins or make it vegan for a versatile, family-friendly recipe that’s packed with bold, comforting flavors.

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 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1½ cups seafood stock (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

Instructions

Season the Shrimp

1. In a small bowl, season the shrimp with 1 tbsp of salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 2 tbsp curry powder. Mix well and refrigerate for later use.

Sauté the Vegetables

2. Heat 2 tbsp of EVOO in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, stirring occasionally (about 5-8 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot. Stir and cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).

Cook the Spices

4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining curry powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir and let the spices fry for 2-3 minutes to develop their flavors, stirring occasionally.

Build the Sauce

5. Pour in the coconut milk, seafood stock (or water), and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook the Potatoes

6. Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and let them cook until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.

Cook the Shrimp

8. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pot. Stir to combine, then cover and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
9. Taste again for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish and mix well.

Serve

10. Serve the coconut curry shrimp over rice and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of curry, coconut milk, and fresh herbs creates a bold, creamy dish packed with flavor.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Works well with a variety of proteins or vegetables, making it customizable.
• Comfort Food: A warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well if thawed properly.
• Dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Toast the curry powder in oil to bring out its depth of flavor.
• Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or scotch bonnet peppers.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Swap shrimp with chicken, tofu, or fish for a different twist.
• Vegetables: Add spinach, green beans, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Vegan: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp and vegetable stock in place of seafood stock.
• Spices: Experiment with garam masala or turmeric for unique flavor profiles.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and add freshly cooked shrimp before serving.

Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and scotch bonnet peppers for a milder flavor.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
• Add a side of naan bread or roti to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh finish.
• Pair with a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Enjoy the vibrant and aromatic flavors of this Coconut Curry Shrimp dish, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests!