This Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is the perfect marriage of creamy richness and bold, zesty flavor. Tender shrimp are simmered in a luscious coconut milk base infused with red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and a splash of lime for brightness. Sweet cherry tomatoes and crunchy veggies round out this vibrant one-pan meal.
It’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something deeply satisfying. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with fragrant Thai basil and cilantro, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth of Southeast Asia to your table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tbsp coconut oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
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1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to spice preference)
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1 tbsp red curry paste
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1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
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1 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp brown sugar
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup snap peas
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Fresh Thai basil leaves, for garnish
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
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Stir in garlic, ginger, and red chili. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add red curry paste and stir to coat the aromatics. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
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Add cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and snap peas. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
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Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
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Squeeze in lime juice, season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with Thai basil and cilantro.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Deep Dive into Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is a dish that perfectly embodies the balance and vibrancy of Thai cuisine. At its heart, it’s a simple curry, but what sets it apart is the richness of coconut milk, the aromatic punch of red curry paste, and the natural sweetness of shrimp. This dish is widely loved for how quickly it comes together and how it manages to taste like something straight out of a Thai restaurant—even when cooked at home.
The key to this dish’s charm is its complexity of flavor wrapped in simplicity of preparation. It’s mild enough for those who prefer less spice, yet still offers the option to dial up the heat with fresh chili or extra curry paste. And because it’s ready in just over 30 minutes, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner while still being impressive enough for a weekend gathering.
Why Coconut Milk Makes All the Difference
Coconut milk is not just a base for this curry—it’s the soul of it. In traditional Thai cooking, coconut milk is used to balance heat and add depth and smoothness to spicy sauces. In this curry, the coconut milk blends beautifully with the red curry paste to create a creamy sauce that’s both rich and light at the same time.
The fats in coconut milk help coat the shrimp, giving them a silky texture while enhancing their natural sweetness. When simmered gently, the coconut milk doesn’t overpower but complements every other element—be it the pungent garlic and ginger, the acidity of the lime juice, or the fresh crunch of vegetables.
Shrimp as the Star Protein
Shrimp is a fantastic choice for quick curries. Not only do they cook in a matter of minutes, but they also absorb flavor fast. In Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry, the shrimp aren’t pre-marinated or heavily spiced because the curry sauce does all the heavy lifting.
Shrimp also offer a protein source that’s lean and lower in fat compared to other meats, making this dish lighter but still filling. Because they cook so quickly, you can add them right at the end of the curry cooking process to prevent them from turning rubbery.
Aromatics and Flavor Layers
The flavor development of this dish starts with the classic Thai aromatics: garlic, ginger, onion, and fresh chili. These ingredients are sautéed in coconut oil to release their full fragrance. Then comes the red curry paste, which contains a blend of ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, chili peppers, and kaffir lime, delivering the signature Thai flavor.
After adding the curry paste, the sauce is built up with coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Each of these elements has its own function—fish sauce adds umami, soy sauce adds salt and depth, and lime juice brightens and balances the richness of the coconut.
Vegetables and Texture Contrast
A good curry isn’t just about flavor—it’s also about texture. In this recipe, vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and snap peas are added for a pop of freshness, color, and crunch. These vegetables are just barely cooked so they retain their bite, adding contrast to the creaminess of the sauce and the tenderness of the shrimp.
You can easily substitute or add your own vegetables here based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Baby corn, bok choy, zucchini, or bamboo shoots would also be right at home in this dish.
Customization Tips
One of the best things about this curry is how adaptable it is:
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Protein Swap: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can use chicken, tofu, or even a mix of seafood like scallops and mussels.
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Vegan Option: Omit the fish sauce and swap shrimp for tofu or chickpeas. Use a vegan-friendly curry paste.
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Spice Levels: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red curry paste or chili added.
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Texture Enhancers: Consider topping with crushed peanuts, fried shallots, or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings
This Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is best served with a side of steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the creamy curry sauce and balances the bold flavors of the dish. If you’re looking for low-carb options, it pairs equally well with cauliflower rice or even rice noodles.
A crisp Thai cucumber salad or a quick papaya salad makes a refreshing side to balance the richness of the curry. And don’t forget to offer lime wedges and extra herbs like Thai basil or cilantro at the table for an aromatic finish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This curry stores very well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough.
You can even prep the sauce a day ahead—just don’t add the shrimp until you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent dish for meal planning or hosting guests without the last-minute stress.
Cultural Inspiration Behind the Dish
Thai cuisine is rooted in the philosophy of balancing the five fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. This dish is a classic example of that balance. Coconut milk adds sweetness and creaminess, lime juice brings acidity, fish sauce offers saltiness and umami, chili adds heat, and the slight bitterness from herbs like Thai basil rounds out the dish.
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry, while modernized in many kitchens around the world, stays true to its roots in delivering those beautifully layered flavors. It’s a dish that tells the story of Thai cooking—fresh ingredients, bold spices, and harmony in every bite.
Conclusion
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok or the peaceful islands of Southern Thailand with each spoonful. Creamy, spicy, savory, and full of vibrant ingredients, it checks every box for a satisfying and wholesome dish.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday dinner, a romantic night in, or to impress guests at a dinner party, this curry is a guaranteed hit. It’s versatile, nourishing, and utterly delicious—proving that with just a few pantry staples and some fresh produce, you can create restaurant-quality meals right from your kitchen.
Explore, enjoy, and most importantly—don’t forget to make it your own. That’s the beauty of Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry.