Stovetop Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant coconut curry simmered with tender shrimp and fresh spinach, delivering a rich and vibrant dinner in under 30 minutes. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, red curry paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tablespoons red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, bring to a gentle simmer, then add 1 teaspoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon fish sauce, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and finish with 1 tablespoon lime juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stovetop Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (13.5 oz) coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stovetop Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stovetop Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Spinach?

Thai seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.