Traditional Coconut Curry with Shrimp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, fragrant curry bursting with tropical flavors and tender seafood. This thai-inspired indian ready in about 45 minutes pairs coconut milk, (peeled and deveined) shrimp, Thai curry paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp coconut milk over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp Thai curry paste, 1 inch grated galangal, and 4 chopped kaffir lime leaves, simmering for 5 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 lb shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, then add 1 sliced chili pepper and 1 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the remaining 1 cup coconut milk, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Serve over 1 cup cooked rice, garnished with 1/4 cup torn basil and 1 tbsp lime juice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Coconut Curry with Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Traditional Coconut Curry with Shrimp?

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 coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Coconut Curry with Shrimp?

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 Traditional Coconut Curry with Shrimp 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 Traditional Coconut Curry with Shrimp?

Thai indian 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.

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