Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry Recipe

If you’re craving a soul-warming dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is about to become your new comfort food obsession! Full of plump shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and luscious coconut milk, this curry emerges in under 30 minutes with irresistible flavor in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry has a delicious purpose—think juicy shrimp, bright bell pepper, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant Thai basil. The best part? You won’t need anything fancy, but each simple addition turns your kitchen into a Thai bistro!

• Shrimp (1 pound, cleaned and prepped): Fresh or frozen, these are the protein stars—choose extra-large for drama or any size you love.
• Avocado oil or olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Sets the flavorful stage for sautéing your veggies and ensures a silky sauce foundation.
• White onion: Adds savory sweetness and body to the aromatic base.
• Red bell pepper: Gorgeous color, gentle crunch, and subtle sweetness in every bite.
• Jalapeño (1-2, chopped): The secret to that whimsical kick—remove seeds for mild, or go wild for more heat!
• Red curry paste (3 tablespoons): This pantry hero infuses bold Thai flavor without fuss.
• Fish sauce (1.5 tablespoons): Just a splash gives that classic savory umami backbone.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the spicy and salty notes with gentle sweetness.
• Canned unsweetened coconut milk (14 oz): The creamy, dreamy heart of your curry—rich, fragrant, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Cornstarch (1.5 tablespoons, dissolved in equal water): Naturally thickens the sauce for that signature silkiness.
• Fresh chopped Thai basil (2-3 tablespoons): Sprinkle on top for authentic fragrance and flavor fireworks.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze at serving brightens everything with zesty tang.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For spice-lovers—add as little or as much as your heart desires!

Variations

One of the joys of Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is that it warmly welcomes swaps and additions—go bold with veggies, try a different protein, or make it plant-based. Tweak to your heart’s content and create your own signature bowl!

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for tofu cubes or a medley of mushrooms—just skip fish sauce or use soy sauce to keep it plant-friendly.
• Mix Up the Veggies: Toss in crisp snap peas, baby corn, spinach, or zucchini for effortless rainbow flair.
• Adjust the Spice: Control the heat level by increasing (or skipping) jalapeños or adding more red curry paste and chili flakes.
• Add Noodles: For a cozy twist, switch the rice for cooked rice noodles and transform your curry into a Thai-inspired noodle bowl.

How to Make Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Vegetables

Start by ensuring your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and pat dry (if they’re frozen, let them thaw). Next, dice the white onion, slice your red bell pepper into thin strips, and chop or mince your jalapeños. Pro tip: for a spicier curry, hang onto those jalapeño seeds—otherwise, scoop them out for a milder touch.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Heat your avocado or olive oil in a large pan over medium-high. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños and cook, stirring, until everything is fragrant and beautifully softened—about 4–5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the veggies to a bowl and set aside for now.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Curry Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the coconut milk. Stir in the red curry paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk well so everything melts together in a luscious swirl. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the cornstarch-water mixture and let it simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, usually about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pat those shrimp dry and slip them into the curry sauce, along with your sautéed veggies. Allow everything to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, just until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque—this happens fast, so keep an eye on it! Taste your curry and adjust: do you want more heat, a swirl more curry paste, or—my favorite—just a pinch of salt?

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve

Off the heat, sprinkle your curry with a generous handful of fresh Thai basil, and serve it up with fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite sides. Squeeze over fresh lime, add chili flakes if you fancy, and dig in!

How to Serve Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Garnishes

Finish your Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry with a tumble of torn fresh Thai basil, a scattering of extra sliced chilies for heat, and a squeeze of lime. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes also adds a gorgeous pop of color and fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

This curry absolutely loves a mound of steaming jasmine or basmati rice, but it also pairs beautifully with coconut rice or brown rice for a heartier meal. For a lighter side, try it with cauliflower rice or spooned over crisp shredded cabbage for crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: serve individual bowls with lime wedges and basil for everyone, or set up a “curry bar” so guests can add their favorite toppings. For lunch, tuck leftovers into lettuce cups or pour over noodles for a Thai coconut curry noodle bowl that’ll steal the show at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry tasting fresh, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers almost more delicious the next day!

Freezing

Shrimp can be finicky when frozen and reheated, so for best results, freeze only the sauce and veggies, then add freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve. Freeze in a sealed container for up to one month for a speedy future dinner.

Reheating

Reheat your curry gently on the stovetop over medium, stirring often until warmed through. If you notice the sauce thickened in the fridge, add a splash of coconut milk or water to restore its silky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bold, crave-worthy, and unbelievably easy, give Easy Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry a place on your table. It’s pure comfort, gorgeous color, and a burst of flavor in every bite—just waiting for you to enjoy. I can’t wait to hear how it becomes your new weeknight favorite!

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