This Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and aromatic flavors. Juicy shrimp are simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with Thai red curry paste, garlic, lime, and fresh herbs. Paired with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles, this dish transforms your dinner table into a fragrant Thai feast.
Unlike heavy curries, this recipe feels light yet comforting—ideal for weeknight dinners or even for impressing guests. The best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it both quick and satisfying.
⏱ Quick Info
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the curry base
500 g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled & deveined
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small shallot (or ½ onion), finely chopped
1–2 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust heat to taste)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
2 handfuls of baby spinach (or substitute with bok choy or kale)
100 g snow peas or green beans (optional)
For the sauce
400 ml (1 can) full-fat coconut milk 🥥 (creamier texture)
2–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste (adjust spice level)
1 tbsp fish sauce 🐟 (for depth of flavor)
2 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar 🍯 (balances the heat)
Juice of 1 lime 🍋
A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
Salt, to taste
For serving
Steamed jasmine rice 🍚 or rice noodles
Optional: cucumber salad 🥒 for a refreshing contrast
📌 Ingredient Notes
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess water in the curry.
Coconut Milk: Always go for full-fat coconut milk; it makes the curry richer and silkier. Light coconut milk may cause the sauce to split.
Curry Paste: Store-bought Thai red curry paste works perfectly. For less heat, reduce the amount and add more vegetables for balance.
Vegetables: This recipe is flexible—zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli are also excellent additions.
Fish Sauce: Don’t skip it! It’s the secret to that authentic umami depth in Thai cooking.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp 🦐
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Lightly season with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics 🔥
In a large wok or pan, heat 2 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add garlic, shallot, and chili. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Curry Paste 🍛
Stir in the Thai red curry paste. Fry for 1–2 minutes, letting the natural oils release for maximum flavor.
- Build the Sauce 🥥
Pour in the coconut milk. Stir well until the curry paste is fully blended.
Add fish sauce and sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the Vegetables 🥕🫑
Stir in the bell pepper, carrot, and green beans (if using).
Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Cook the Shrimp 🦐
Add shrimp to the curry. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Toss in the baby spinach at the very end and allow it to wilt.
- Balance & Finish 🍋
Taste the curry. Adjust flavors with extra lime juice (freshness), fish sauce (saltiness), or sugar (sweetness).
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot over fluffy jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
For added freshness, pair with a cucumber salad tossed with lime juice and sesame seeds.
Garnish with extra chilies and lime wedges for those who love extra heat.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezer: Not recommended—shrimp can turn rubbery once thawed.
🌟 Variations
Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even white fish.
Vegetarian: Skip the fish sauce and use soy sauce or tamari. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower.
Extra Creamy: Stir in 1–2 tbsp coconut cream at the end for an indulgent finish.
✨ Tip: For an authentic Thai touch, serve with fresh Thai basil leaves—they add a slightly peppery, sweet aroma that elevates the dish beautifully.
