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Let me introduce you to your new weeknight obsession: this Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry. We’re talking plump, juicy shrimp swimming in the most unbelievably silky, aromatic coconut milk sauce you can imagine. This isn’t just any quick shrimp curry; it’s the one that will have you cancelling your takeout order for good. Trust me, you’ll be licking your plate clean!
Ready to fall completely in love with a 20-minute meal?
Why You’ll Fall For This Curry
This Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry delivers restaurant-quality flavour in record time. The secret lies in blooming aromatics from scratch for a taste no jar can match, then using rich, full-fat coconut milk for that unbelievably creamy finish. It’s a one-pan wonder ready in under 20 minutes, with shrimp added at the very end to guarantee they turn out perfectly plump and tender every single time.
Everything You Need For Curry Perfection
You only need a few pantry staples to make these perfectly crispy Coconut. This is where the magic begins! We’re building layers of deep, aromatic flavour using a powerhouse blend of spices you likely already have in your pantry.
- Garam Masala: This aromatic spice blend is the heart of our curry. Using it on both the shrimp and in the sauce builds layers of incredible warmth and flavour.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is non-negotiable for a truly creamy, luscious sauce. Use canned, full-fat coconut milk—the lighter carton versions just won’t deliver that same restaurant-quality richness.
- Crushed Tomatoes vs. Passata: Your choice for texture! Use crushed tomatoes for a more rustic sauce, or go with Passata (tomato purée) if you’re craving something incredibly smooth and silky.
- Brown Sugar: Don’t skip this! A touch of brown sugar is the secret to balancing the tomato’s acidity with the warm spices, rounding out the flavour of the entire dish.
Note: Go to the Recipe Note to see a full list of ingredients and measurements.
The Secret To The Best Shrimp Curry
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with all of its designated spices and 1 tablespoon of oil until evenly coated
- Sear Shrimp: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for just 1 minute per side to get a beautiful colour—don’t cook them all the way through! Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil and butter. Fry the onion until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes), scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bloom Aromatics: Stir in the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add all the sauce spices and cook for another 20 seconds, stirring constantly, until they’re beautifully fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, chili powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Shrimp: Reduce the heat and stir the seared shrimp back into the sauce. Let them simmer gently for 1-2 more minutes, just until they are pink, plump, and cooked through.
- Garnish: Take the pan off the heat immediately to ensure the shrimp stay perfectly tender. Garnish generously with fresh, chopped cilantro.
- Serve & Enjoy! Plate it up with fluffy rice or warm naan bread, and prepare to fall completely in love with your new favorite curry.
Tip: Serve with garlic butter rice and super soft Naan bread to mop up the curry sauce!
Fallen hard for this curry, and now you’re on a shrimp kick? I completely get it. For your next obsession, try my bright and zesty Shrimp in a Piccata Cream Sauce, or the rich and romantic Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Tuscan Shrimp. If you’re craving pure indulgence, my Shrimp Alfredo with Bacon is a must-make, or give a classic a vibrant twist with this incredible Creamy Pesto Shrimp Alfredo. Get ready to fall in love all over again.
FAQs
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work beautifully here. The most important step is to make sure they are completely thawed before you start. Pat them very dry with a paper towel to get that perfect, beautiful sear.
Yes, this sauce is incredible with chicken! Simply use bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Season and sear the chicken until it’s cooked all the way through, set it aside, and then proceed with the sauce as written.
Leftovers are just as delicious the next day! Store the curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid making the shrimp tough.
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Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined, tails intact
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour plain flour
BATTER:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup beer substitute with mineral water or soda water – you may need a little extra
COATING:
- 1 cup shredded coconut sweetened or unsweetened
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- OPTIONAL: To butterfly shrimp, insert a knife about three-quarters of the way into the shrimp at the top. Cut a slit down the centre of the shrimp’s back to the tail. Use your fingertip to open the flesh of the shrimp slightly. They don’t need to be flat. Season with salt and pepper, set aside.
- In one shallow bowl, add 1/2 cup flour for dredging. In another shallow bowl, whisk the batter ingredients together until combined. The batter should resemble pancake consistency. If too thick, add a little extra beer or mineral water, whisking between each addition. In the third bowl, mix together the shredded coconut and bread crumbs.
- Dredge in the flour (shake off excess), dip in the batter (shake off excess) and coat in the breadcrumb/coconut mixture. Lightly press the coconut onto the shrimp.
- Place onto prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining shrimp. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and freeze until firm (about 30-45 minutes).
- In a dutch oven or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil (about 2-3 inches deep in the pot) until nice and hot.
- Fry the FROZEN shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have always enjoy to serve them in almost every party.
People simply love them
I made this today, the kids and adults loved it. I had left over batter so I made onion rings with it. Thank you home chef!
Fun to cook and taste great.
Absolutely delicious!!!
Thank you! 😋
This is the BEST coconut shrimp recipe I’ve ever tried. Dipping the shrimp in batter helps the coconut/panko stick, and creates a delicious crispy-crunchy coating. I didn’t have any beer on hand so I used plain water, and it still came out fantastic! I used unsweetened coconut, as the sugar in the sweetened variety can burn when the shrimp is cooked. Hands down a do-over!!!
WOW Best Ever Followed the Recipe and had these with steak for some turf and surf for our anniversary at home this year. Everyone Raved about them. So glad I found your Recipe.