Easy Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors combined with simple cooking, this Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas recipe is your new go-to. Packed with creamy coconut milk and a beautiful blend of spices, this dish brings warmth, color, and delightful textures to your table. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for any weeknight when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Flavor Boost: The combination of creamy coconut milk and spices delivers a rich taste without complicated steps.
• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Colorful and Vibrant: Bright green peas and tender shrimp create an appealing plate every time.
• Balanced Nutrition: Protein-packed shrimp and nutrient-rich peas make it a wholesome meal.
• Highly Customizable: Easy to tweak for various tastes, adding more spice or mildness based on preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, essential ingredients make this Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas delightfully approachable. Each plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring your dish is both taste-packed and satisfying.

• Fresh Shrimp: Provides tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the curry flavors.
• Coconut Milk (plant-based): Offers creamy richness and a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
• Green Peas: Add a pop of color and a fresh, gently sweet crunch to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic depth essential for building the base flavor.
• Ginger: Adds a zesty, warm note that brightens every bite.
• Curry Powder (natural flavoring): The heart of the dish, delivering a fragrant spice blend that awakens your palate.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Introduces a subtle umami contrast to enrich the curry sauce.
• Smoked Turkey Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory accent to complement the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish, providing a fresh herbal finish that ties all the elements together.
• Lime Juice (natural): A squeeze at the end brightens the dish and balances the creaminess.

Variations for Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own based on what you have on hand or your taste buds’ desires. Whether it’s adjusting the protein or experimenting with spices, customization is easy and delicious.

• Protein swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken breast or firm tofu for different textures.
• Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower to increase the veggie content.
• Heat level: Incorporate fresh chili or cayenne pepper to turn up the spice.
• Herbal twist: Use basil or mint instead of cilantro for a fresh flavor variation.
• Grain pairing: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and a hearty meal.

How to Make Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel and devein the shrimp, chop garlic, ginger, and smoked turkey bacon. Measure out the curry powder and have the coconut milk ready to go. Fresh peas should be rinsed and drained if using frozen.

Step 2: Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful rendered bits in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add garlic and ginger to the bacon-infused skillet and cook until fragrant, about one minute. This step unlocks their warmth, setting up a flavorful base for the curry.

Step 4: Build the Curry Sauce

Stir in curry powder and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), allowing the spices to toast lightly in the skillet. Pour in the creamy coconut milk and stir well to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp and Peas

Add the shrimp and peas to the curry sauce, cooking just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the peas are tender, about 5 minutes. This keeps the shrimp juicy and the peas vibrant.

Step 6: Finish with Smoked Turkey Bacon and Lime

Return the smoked turkey bacon to the pan, stir everything together, then remove from heat. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty touch.

Pro Tips for Making Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas

• Use fresh shrimp: For the best texture and flavor, fresh is always preferable to frozen when possible.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long, so watch the clock carefully.
• Toast spices: Toasting the curry powder briefly enhances its aroma and depth dramatically.
• Add peas last: This keeps them bright and crisp instead of mushy.
• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or stir in a natural gelling agent as needed.

How to Serve Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro brightens this dish with herbal freshness. Lime wedges on the side allow everyone to add a citrus punch as desired, balancing the rich coconut curry beautifully.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice or basmati makes the perfect canvas for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it alongside warm naan bread (plant-based) for a more traditional feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, plate this dish in shallow bowls and sprinkle with toasted smoked turkey bacon bits and thinly sliced green onions. Serve with a small side salad with grape juice vinaigrette (natural) for a complete meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen in a sealed container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the peas may soften further after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the shrimp from toughening. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of coconut milk (plant-based) if the sauce needs loosening.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from the curry powder, but you can easily increase the heat by adding fresh chili or cayenne pepper.

What can I substitute for peas?

Green beans or edamame make great alternatives, offering similar texture and color contrast in the dish.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the shrimp with extra-firm tofu and use smoked turkey bacon alternatives made from plant-based ingredients.

How long does this dish take to prepare?

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 to 30 minutes, perfect for a fast and flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Curry Shrimp with Peas recipe is a wonderful way to add some excitement to your weeknight meals without fuss. With its creamy, spicy, and smoky notes, every bite feels like a celebration of simple ingredients coming together beautifully. Give it a try soon you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Related Posts

• Easy Chicken Salad with Blackberries and Walnuts
• Fresh Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes
• Fresh Honey Roasted Chickpea and Avocado Salad Delight

Print