Introduction
Coconut Lime Shrimp Curry is a vibrant and tropical dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fragrant spices and a zesty lime kick. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Curry:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Cooked rice or noodles
Directions
- Prepare the Curry Base:
- Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Make the Curry Sauce:
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring well.
- Add the fish sauce, brown sugar (or honey), lime juice, ground turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve:
- Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the curry sauce and let it heat through for a few minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top the curry with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a different protein source.
- Spiciness Adjustment: Increase or decrease the amount of red curry paste to control heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them before cooking for best results.
- What can I substitute for fish sauce? You can use soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option.
- Can I make this curry vegan? Yes, use vegetable broth and tofu instead of shrimp, and omit fish sauce.
- What type of rice pairs well with this dish? Jasmine or basmati rice complements the curry beautifully.
- How can I make it less spicy? Use less red curry paste or choose a milder brand.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli work well.
- Is coconut milk healthy? While high in calories, coconut milk contains healthy fats; moderation is key.
- Can I freeze this curry? It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it without the shrimp and reheat later.
- What if I don’t have red curry paste? You can use yellow curry paste or make your own blend with spices.
- Can I add more lime flavor? Yes, adding more lime juice or zest will enhance the citrus flavor.
Conclusion
Coconut Lime Shrimp Curry is a delightful and easy dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your table. With its creamy sauce and zesty shrimp, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this recipe for a delicious meal any night of the week!
PrintCoconut Lime Shrimp Curry recipe:
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and tropical dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fragrant spices and a zesty lime kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Curry:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Curry Base: Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, then add garlic and ginger.
- Make the Curry Sauce: Stir in red curry paste, then add coconut milk and broth. Season and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook in a separate pan until pink and opaque.
- Combine and Serve: Fold shrimp into the curry sauce, heat through, and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with cilantro and lime wedges, and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk.
- Adjust red curry paste for desired spiciness.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg