This Coconut Curry Shrimp is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare yet packed with bold, spicy, and creamy goodness. Juicy shrimp are simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce infused with aromatic spices, garlic, ginger, and fresh lime juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (13.5 oz/400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for umami depth)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice or basmati rice, for serving

Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Curry Base: Add the red curry paste, turmeric, coriander, and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions in the spices, allowing them to bloom for about 1 minute.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine. Add fish sauce (if using), lime juice, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp into the simmering curry sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust with more salt, lime juice, or sugar to balance the flavors as desired.
7. Serve: Spoon the curry over bowls of warm jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Pair with naan bread, steamed vegetables, or a light cucumber salad.
- Rice Alternatives: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Toppings: Add sliced red chili for extra heat or toasted coconut flakes for texture.

Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more curry paste or fresh chilies if you prefer it spicier.
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a different protein.
- Creamier Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra spoonful of coconut cream for an ultra-rich texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Indulge in the creamy, spicy, and irresistible flavors of this Coconut Curry Shrimp—a dish that’s as easy as it is unforgettable!
Print
Coconut Curry Shrimp Recipe – Easy, Flavorful & Spicy
This Coconut Curry Shrimp is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare yet packed with bold, spicy, and creamy goodness. Juicy shrimp are simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce infused with aromatic spices, garlic, ginger, and fresh lime juice. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (13.5 oz/400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for umami depth)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice or basmati rice, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Curry Base: Add the red curry paste, turmeric, coriander, and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions in the spices, allowing them to bloom for about 1 minute.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine. Add fish sauce (if using), lime juice, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp into the simmering curry sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust with more salt, lime juice, or sugar to balance the flavors as desired.
7. Serve: Spoon the curry over bowls of warm jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more curry paste or fresh chilies if you prefer it spicier.
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a different protein.
- Creamier Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra spoonful of coconut cream for an ultra-rich texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving