Tiki-Inspired Spiced Coconut Seafood Curry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant seafood curry simmered in creamy coconut milk with island spices, evoking the tropical essence of Tiki culture. This asian fusion-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp peeled and deveined, scallops, (14 oz) coconut milk 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and 8 oz scallops to the curry. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is opaque and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 medium diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften but retain crunch.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the spiced coconut seafood curry hot over steamed jasmine rice for a tropical, satisfying meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Inspired Spiced Coconut Seafood Curry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tiki-Inspired Spiced Coconut Seafood Curry?

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 shrimp peeled and deveined from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki-Inspired Spiced Coconut Seafood Curry?

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 Tiki-Inspired Spiced Coconut Seafood Curry 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 Tiki-Inspired Spiced Coconut Seafood Curry?

Asian Fusion 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.