Creamy Coconut Shrimp Curry with Fragrant Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes and requires only basic cooking skills.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats from coconut milk, and fresh vegetables.
• Flavorful and versatile: A perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, and it can be customized to your taste.
• Impressive: Looks restaurant-worthy but is simple to make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Coconut milk
• Red curry paste
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Shallots
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g., bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots)
• Fish sauce
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Fragrant jasmine rice
• Optional: Red chili flakes or fresh chilies for extra heat

Directions

1. Prepare the rice: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions until fluffy and fragrant.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat some oil in a deep pan or wok and sauté finely chopped shallots, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add the curry paste: Stir in the red curry paste and cook for a minute to release its flavors.
4. Add the liquid: Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
5. Cook the vegetables: Add your choice of vegetables to the sauce and cook until they are tender but still crisp.
6. Add the shrimp: Toss the shrimp into the pan and simmer for 4–5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
7. Season to taste: Add fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes, adjusting to your taste preferences.
8. Serve: Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro and serve it with the jasmine rice on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the shrimp with tofu or chickpeas.
• Other proteins: Substitute shrimp with chicken breast or fish fillets.
• Vegetable-forward: Add more veggies like broccoli, spinach, or baby corn.
• Adjust the heat: Use less curry paste for a milder flavor or add fresh chilies for extra spice.
• Nutty twist: Add a spoonful of peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the coconut curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the curry (without rice) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

2. What’s the best curry paste for this recipe?

Red curry paste works best, but you can use yellow or green curry paste based on your preference.

3. Can I skip the fish sauce?

Yes, replace it with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spice depends on the curry paste used. Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili.

5. What vegetables go well in this curry?

Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, broccoli, or baby spinach are great options.

6. How can I make this dish vegan?

Use tofu instead of shrimp and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce.

7. How can I enhance the flavor?

Add a teaspoon of sugar for balance or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

8. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, basmati rice or even quinoa works as a great alternative.

9. Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it in advance and reheat it just before serving.

10. What side dishes pair well with this curry?

It pairs beautifully with naan bread, roti, or a simple cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Creamy coconut shrimp curry with fragrant jasmine rice is a flavorful, versatile dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this recipe is sure to delight with its rich, exotic flavors. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of something truly special!