Easy Thai Shrimp Curry with Green Curry Paste

Quick and easy Thai shrimp curry recipe in under 20 minutes! Plump shrimp, authentic Thai green curry paste, and creamy coconut milk create a perfect weeknight dinner. Savor the delightful balance of flavors with zesty lime, cilantro, and fish sauce. Serve this Thai cuisine-inspired dish over fragrant jasmine rice!

Thai cuisine has a special place in the hearts of food lovers, and when it comes to Thai dishes, curry always takes the spotlight. If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful Thai curry, don’t miss this delightful shrimp curry recipe made with Thai curry paste.

Say goodbye to lengthy preparation, because we’re all about saving the precious time. By opting for a store-bought green curry paste and pairing it with creamy coconut milk, you’ll be whipping up a fabulous weeknight meal without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Shrimp Curry

• Quick and Easy: Using store-bought Thai green curry paste shaves your cooking time in half, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in just 15-20 minutes.
  • If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make authentic Thai green curry paste from scratch, but that’s entirely optional.
• Authentic Thai Flavors: Whether you choose the semi-homemade route or go all-in with homemade curry paste, this green curry shrimp recipe captures the true essence of Thai curry. It’s packed with the genuine aroma and taste that define Southeast Asian cuisine.
• Adjustable Spice: You can control the spiciness by using milder green chilies. This means even kids and those with a low tolerance for spicy food can enjoy this dish without a problem.
• Versatile Options: Not a fan of green curry? No worries! You can switch things up by using yellow or red curry paste for a different twist. It’s an easy way to explore new flavors within Thai cuisine.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: If you’re avoiding gluten, this dish has you covered. Thai curry paste is naturally gluten-free, so you can indulge in this meal without any gluten-related concerns.

Recipe Success Tips

1. Choose Quality Shrimp: Opt for raw, succulent shrimp for the best results. Bigger shrimp or even prawns, if you can find them, work wonderfully in this dish.
   • In authentic Thai cuisine, prawns are often preferred over shrimp.
2. Creamy Coconut Milk: Ensure you use full-fat coconut milk to achieve that luscious creamy consistency in your curry. Low-fat coconut milk make the curry sauce thinner and less flavorful.
   • If you’re using coconut cream, mix it with a bit of chicken stock to reach the desired consistency.
3. Infuse with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Leaves: To capture the authentic Thai green curry flavor, enhance your dish with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
   • See ingredient notes below for more information.
4. Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. While green beans are a personal favorite in shrimp curry, you can also experiment with other vegetables that tickle your taste buds. This dish is quite adaptable to your vegetable preferences. See FAQ’s below for more options.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some important notes on the key ingredients for your Thai Shrimp Curry:

• Shrimp: Choose plump, large shrimp with tail attached, whether fresh or frozen. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them in advance for even cooking.
  • Make sure to peel and devein before using.
• Green Curry Paste: You can use any brand of store-bought green curry paste. The choice is yours!
• Lemongrass: When using lemongrass, peel off the fibrous outer layer, and use only the white and pale green parts for the best flavor.
  • Fresh lemongrass is commonly found in Asian markets. If it’s not available, consider using lemongrass paste, which you can usually find at your local grocery store.
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: You can use fresh or dried kaffir lime leaves. Dried leaves are easily available online and work well in your dish.
• Coconut Milk: For that velvety, creamy texture, make sure to use full-fat coconut milk.
• Sugar: Add sugar to achieve a balanced flavor profile in your curry. You can use either palm sugar or brown sugar based on your preference.
• Green Beans: Green beans are a fantastic addition to your shrimp curry. They add a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh flavor to your dish.
• Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a key ingredient that imparts the characteristic savory and umami notes to your curry. It’s a must for authentic Thai flavor.
• Green Chili: Use any green chili; for milder curry, choose less spicy ones or remove seeds to reduce heat.
• Cilantro: Cilantro adds a refreshing aroma and flavor to Thai curry shrimp, also enhancing its green color.
• Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright and zesty kick to your curry, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall experience.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your masterpiece:

Fry Curry Paste: Begin by heating oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the green curry paste and let it sizzle away for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Add Flavorful Ingredients: Next, toss in the lemongrass, succulent shrimp, and aromatic kaffir lime leaves. Continue to fry for an additional 2 minutes.

Introduce Creaminess: Pour in the rich coconut milk and toss in the vibrant green beans, along with a touch of sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium and let your curry simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the green beans reach your desired level of tenderness.

Season with Fish Sauce: Season your curry to taste with fish sauce, adding that savory depth of flavor that’s quintessential to Thai cuisine.

Add the Final Touches: For the perfect balance of Thai flavors – salty, sweet, sour, and spicy – toss in the green chilies, fresh cilantro, and squeeze out that zesty lime juice. Thai basil also makes excellent garnishes.

​Serving Suggestions

Thai Shrimp Curry is typically served with steamed jasmine rice, or coconut rice, which complements the creamy and flavorful curry sauce. You can also serve it with noodles or Thai-style rice noodles for a different twist.

If you prefer a lower-carb option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice. Don’t forget to ladle the savory, aromatic curry over your rice to savor every delicious bite. Best enjoyed while hot!

Additionally, fresh herbs, such as cilantro and Thai basil, make excellent garnishes.

Storing Leftovers

To preserve the flavors of your Thai shrimp curry, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover curry, simply heat it through in the microwave. For an extra burst of freshness, add a sprinkle of cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice to suit your taste preferences.

FAQ’s

What’s the Difference Between Thai Green Curry and Thai Red Curry?

The primary difference lies in the color and flavor profiles. Thai green curry gets its vibrant green hue from green chilies, cilantro, and basil, resulting in a spicier, herbaceous taste. Thai red curry, on the other hand, derives its red color from red chilies and has a milder, sweeter flavor due to the inclusion of ingredients like red bell peppers and tomatoes.

What Size Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best results, I recommend using shrimp with a 21-25 or larger per pound count. In my preparation, I used frozen raw shrimp with an 11-15 per pound count. You can adjust the cooking time by a minute or two as necessary, depending on the size of the shrimp you choose.

Can I Add Extra Vegetables?

Absolutely! Thai Shrimp Curry recipe is quite versatile when it comes to vegetables. You can add extra veggies to your heart’s content. Popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, sugar snap peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of the vegetables to ensure they’re perfectly tender when serving.

How do I make this dish vegan?

For a vegan twist, substitute shrimp with tofu or other plant-based protein and vegetables. Thai green curry paste and coconut milk will maintain the authentic Thai flavors.

Related Recipes

• Vietnamese Chicken Curry
• Beef Massaman Curry
• Chicken and Pumpkin Yellow Curry

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