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A bowl of our flavorful Indian shrimp curry recipe with plump shrimp in a creamy, spiced coconut sauce | SPICE ROOM Denver
shrimp
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RECIPES

Indian Shrimp Curry Recipe

ByCulinary TeamLast updated

Juicy shrimp simmered in a coconut-tomato curry with curry leaves and mustard seeds — a coastal Indian classic ready in 30 minutes.

Easy
Prep: 10 minCook: 20 minServes: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 8-10 fresh curry leaves
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat coconut oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and wait until they pop, about 30 seconds.

  2. 2

    Add curry leaves (careful — they splutter!) and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add diced tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce, about 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Pour in coconut milk, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

  6. 6

    Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink and curl slightly.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat immediately. Squeeze lime juice over the top, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with steamed rice.

Chef's Notes

This coastal-style Indian shrimp curry is inspired by the seafood traditions of Kerala and Goa, where fresh prawns are cooked in a fragrant coconut-tomato sauce with curry leaves and black mustard seeds. It’s one of the fastest Indian curries you can make.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

The number one mistake with shrimp curry is overcooking. Shrimp cook in just 3-4 minutes — add them at the very end and remove the pan from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. An O-shape means they’re overdone.

Coconut Milk Matters

Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest sauce. Lite versions will produce a thin, watery curry. Shake the can well before opening, or use the thick cream on top for an even more luxurious sauce.

A Coastal Feast

Serve over steamed basmati rice with a squeeze of fresh lime. This pairs beautifully with our garlic naan as well. Experience our chef’s coastal curry preparations at any Spice Room location in Denver.

SPICE ROOM Kitchen, Culinary Team at SPICE ROOM Denver

SPICE ROOM Kitchen

Culinary Team

The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.

Indian Cuisine
Himalayan Cuisine
Home Cooking

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Indian Shrimp Curry Recipe

Indian Shrimp Curry Recipe

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Serves: 4 servings

Key ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk, 2 medium tomatoes, diced, 1 medium onion, finely diced, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp black mustard seeds…

Get Full Recipe →

Recipe by SPICE ROOM Denver

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<img src="https://denverspiceroom.com/food/shrimp-curry.webp" alt="Indian Shrimp Curry Recipe" style="width:100%;height:200px;object-fit:cover;" />
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<h3 style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:18px;color:#1A1A2E;">Indian Shrimp Curry Recipe</h3>
<p style="margin:0 0 8px;font-size:13px;color:#666;">Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Serves: 4 servings</p>
<p style="margin:0 0 12px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Key ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk, 2 medium tomatoes, diced, 1 medium onion, finely diced, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp black mustard seeds…</p>
<a href="https://denverspiceroom.com/blog/indian-shrimp-curry-recipe?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:inline-block;padding:8px 16px;background:#D4A853;color:#1A1A2E;text-decoration:none;border-radius:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:bold;">Get Full Recipe →</a>
<p style="margin:8px 0 0;font-size:10px;color:#aaa;">Recipe by <a href="https://denverspiceroom.com?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=recipe_embed" style="color:#D4A853;">SPICE ROOM Denver</a></p>
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