Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly flavorful shrimp curry, perfectly paired with fragrant, easy-to-make coconut rice. This vibrant dish is a testament to how complex flavors can come together in a surprisingly simple weeknight meal that your entire family will absolutely adore. Bursting with sweet and spicy notes, loaded with fresh, crisp vegetables, and featuring succulent shrimp, this recipe promises to be so delicious that everyone will be eager for second helpings.

While the taste of a well-crafted curry often suggests hours of intricate cooking, this recipe demystifies the process, proving that a restaurant-quality curry is well within reach for the home cook. The secret lies in a balanced combination of aromatic ingredients, a rich curry paste, and a touch of fruity mango chutney, all brought together with quick-cooking shrimp and perfectly sautéed vegetables. Serve it alongside a bed of fluffy coconut rice, and you’ll have a dish that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort. Give this shrimp curry recipe a try, and you might just discover a new staple for your family’s weekly menu!

Looking for more exciting sweet and spicy dinner ideas to spice up your week? Don’t miss out on our Spicy Peach Pork Chops, savory Chipotle Chorizo Tacos, and our irresistible Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken Wings!

Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Shrimp Curry

Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step towards a fantastic meal. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful shrimp curry:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, foundational flavor for sautéing your vegetables.
• Oil: I highly recommend using an oil with a high smoke point for sautéing, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil. This prevents the oil from scorching or smoking, ensuring a clean flavor and even cooking.
• Onion: Finely chopped, it forms the aromatic base of your curry, lending a subtle sweetness when sautéed until translucent.
• Bell Peppers: For both visual appeal and a broader flavor profile, I love to use a combination of 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper. They add a fresh, sweet crunch and beautiful color to the dish.
• Green Beans: Cut your green beans into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender-crisp in the finished curry.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that unmistakable aromatic kick that elevates any curry.
• Shrimp: I used 20 large jumbo shrimp for this recipe, which are substantial and cook quickly. Remember to devein them before cooking for the best eating experience. If you opt for smaller shrimp, you’ll want to adjust the quantity accordingly. For ultimate convenience, thawed frozen shrimp work perfectly and significantly cut down on prep time.
• Curry Paste: The heart of the curry! I prefer Tikka Curry Paste for its balanced flavor, but many other varieties like Thai red curry paste or green curry paste would also be delicious. Choose between a hot or mild curry paste based on your desired spice level.
• Mango Chutney: This provides a wonderful fruity sweetness and a tangy depth that beautifully complements the curry paste. Any good quality jarred mango chutney from your local grocery store will work wonderfully here.
• Coconut Milk: For the coconut rice, I used 1 can of light coconut milk to keep it a bit lighter. However, if you’re looking for an extra rich and creamy texture, feel free to use regular, full-fat coconut milk.
• Water: Essential for cooking the rice to perfection.
• Kosher Salt: A staple for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Rice: I used 1 cup of uncooked jasmine rice for its aromatic qualities and fluffy texture. If you plan to make a larger batch of rice, remember to adjust the amount of water proportionally. For a delightful alternative, consider serving your curry with some warm, buttery garlic naan bread instead of or in addition to rice!

Refer to the recipe card below for precise measurements and comprehensive ingredient information.

Exciting Variations for Your Shrimp Curry

One of the best things about curry is its adaptability. Here are some fantastic ways to customize your shrimp curry to suit your taste or what you have available:

• Creamy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry: To elevate this into a rich and authentic Thai-style coconut shrimp curry, simply incorporate canned coconut milk into your curry sauce. Pair this with a traditional Thai red curry paste for that classic flavor profile. To finish it off beautifully, add a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice or simmer the curry with a fragrant kaffir lime leaf for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
• Vibrant Green Curry: For a refreshing and often spicier twist, substitute the tikka curry paste with a quality green curry paste. Green curry pastes typically feature fresh green chilies, herbs like cilantro and basil, and often kaffir lime, offering a brighter, more herbal flavor profile. This variation works particularly well with the added coconut milk for creaminess.
• Mellow Yellow Curry: If you prefer a milder, earthier curry, opt for a yellow curry paste. Yellow curries often feature turmeric (giving them their characteristic color), cumin, and coriander. I highly recommend pairing this variation with coconut milk, as a creamy yellow curry is incredibly delicious and comforting.
• Experiment with Spices and Fresh Herbs: Don’t hesitate to play with additional seasonings.
  • Fresh Garnishes: Brighten your dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or mint just before serving.
  • Deep Flavors: Sauté freshly grated ginger or finely chopped lemongrass with your onions and garlic for an added layer of aromatic depth. Incorporate ground coriander or cumin with your curry paste to enhance its complexity. A dash of traditional curry powder can also boost the overall “curry” flavor.
  • Added Heat: If you crave more fire, introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper, finely diced fresh chili pepper (like bird’s eye chili), or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the cooking process. Remember to add these gradually and taste as you go!
• Vegetable Swaps: Beyond green beans and bell peppers, consider adding cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, snap peas, spinach (stirred in at the very end), or even chunks of sweet potato for added substance and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Flavorful Curry

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect shrimp curry every time. Remember, further details and precise measurements can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below!

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Rice. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the coconut rice: jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat on your stovetop. Once boiling, immediately cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to its lowest setting, and allow it to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. The rice is done when it’s tender and most of the liquid has been fully absorbed. Resist the urge to lift the lid during simmering to ensure proper steaming.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp. While your coconut rice is gently simmering, turn your attention to the shrimp. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them quickly in a bowl of ice water. Once thawed or if using fresh, carefully devein the shrimp, then give them a quick rinse under cold water. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this step is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing a watery curry. Set the prepared shrimp aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped green beans, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the bell peppers and green beans are tender-crisp, typically about 5-7 minutes. This process builds the foundational flavor of your curry.

Step 4: Add the Garlic. Once the other vegetables are tender, add the chopped garlic to the skillet. Continue to sauté for just 30-60 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.

Step 5: Incorporate the Curry Paste. Add the chosen curry paste to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir vigorously for about 1 minute, allowing the paste to cook slightly and release its aromatic oils, coating all the vegetables evenly.

Step 6: Stir in Mango Chutney & Taste. Now, add the mango chutney to the pan. Stir it in thoroughly, ensuring it’s well combined with the curry paste and vegetables. At this point, it’s crucial to taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed; you can add more curry paste for extra spice, a pinch of salt to brighten the flavors, or even a tiny bit more chutney for sweetness, until the balance is just right for your palate.

Step 7: Cook the Shrimp. Add the prepared shrimp to the pan with the curry sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the shrimp are coated in the flavorful sauce. Simmer just until the shrimp are fully cooked through, which will take approximately 3-4 minutes per side, depending on their size. They will turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook them!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! Once the shrimp is perfectly cooked, your delicious curry is ready. Serve generous portions immediately over a bed of the fluffy coconut rice you prepared earlier. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a lime wedge if desired, for an extra burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Curry

If you tried this delicious recipe and absolutely loved it, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I genuinely love hearing from you; your feedback and comments truly make my day!

Before You Go: Explore More Chef-Developed Recipes

I genuinely hope you enjoyed preparing and savoring this professional chef-tested shrimp curry recipe. It’s a dish designed to bring vibrant flavors and culinary satisfaction to your table with ease. Don’t let your culinary journey stop here! I invite you to explore our other delicious, chef-developed recipes, particularly our diverse collection of summer dinner recipes, perfect for any season or occasion. Happy cooking!