Thai Green Curry with Shrimp
Craving a delicious and easy asian dinner recipes? This Thai Green Curry with Shrimp recipe brings vibrant flavors and comforting warmth to your table with minimal effort. You’ll love how quickly you can create this restaurant-quality dish at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Green Curry Paste: Use a good quality store-bought paste for convenience.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is best for richness; light coconut milk works if you prefer.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp. Chicken or firm tofu are great substitutes.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and green beans are classic. Feel free to add others like broccoli or spinach.
- Fish Sauce: Essential for authentic flavor. For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
- Fresh Basil: Thai basil is ideal, but regular basil works well too.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp Thai green curry paste
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced (canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional:
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (for extra heat)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large pot or deep skillet, cutting board, knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Curry Paste
Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the green curry paste and stir-fry for about 1 minute until very fragrant. This step awakens the flavors.
2. Create the Curry Base
Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring well to combine with the curry paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the fish sauce and brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.
3. Add Vegetables
Stir in the sliced bell pepper, bamboo shoots, and green beans. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still with a little bite.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering curry. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
5. Finish with Freshness
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves. If using, add the sliced Thai chilies for an extra kick.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Thai Green Curry with Shrimp over warm jasmine rice. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired. You’ve just made a fantastic asian dinner recipes!
Variation Ideas:
- Protein Swap: Use sliced chicken breast, firm tofu, or even white fish instead of shrimp.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, broccoli florets, or baby corn for more vegetables.
- Nutty Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a satay-like twist.
- Less Heat: Reduce the amount of green curry paste or omit the fresh chilies.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Thai Green Curry with Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- What kind of coconut milk should you use? Full-fat coconut milk provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
- Can you make this vegetarian? Yes! Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth and vegetarian fish sauce (or soy sauce).
- Is Thai green curry spicy? It can be! The spice level depends on the curry paste you use and if you add fresh chilies. Adjust to your preference.
- What else can you serve with it? Besides jasmine rice, you can serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or rice noodles.
- Can you freeze Thai green curry? Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What if you can’t find bamboo shoots? Water chestnuts are a good substitute for a similar crunchy texture.






