Name: Healthy Shrimp Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 TBS avocado oil ((divided)); 1 Serrano pepper ((seeds removed, roughly chopped)); 1 medium yellow onion ((roughly chopped)); 8 cherry tomatoes ((whole)); salt; 1 TBS curry powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; 4 cloves garlic ((minced)); 1 TBS minced ginger; 1½ cup whole milk; 1 lb medium shrimp ((raw, peeled + deveined, tail off)); 4 cups cooked basmati rice; cilantro for garnish; lime wedges

Facebook Pin Email

Jump to Recipe – Print Recipe

Looking for a quick and flavorful shrimp dinner? This healthy shrimp curry is the perfect answer!

Packed with juicy shrimp and aromatic spices, this dish comes together in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Plus, it’s made with lighter ingredients, so you can enjoy a comforting curry without feeling weighed down.

Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or alongside warm naan, this easy shrimp curry will bring bold flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Let’s dive in and make a delicious, homemade curry that’s both nourishing and satisfying!

Why you’ll love this healthy shrimp curry

Whether you’re a seasoned curry lover or new to the dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

Bursting with flavor: Made with warm spices, whole milk, and fresh ingredients, this curry has a deep, comforting flavor.
Fresh: Made with fresh shrimp and packed with vegetables, this curry is high in protein, making it a meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.
Quick and easy to make: With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe allows you to enjoy a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or hosting dinner parties, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require extensive culinary skills.

Curry ingredients and some notes

Creating a mouth-watering curry involves using a blend of ingredients that each play a role in building the dish’s rich and aromatic profile.

Shrimp: This quick cooking protein adds so much to the curry, with its tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the thick sauce.
Tomatoes: These provide a natural sweetness and acidity that balance out the spices, forming a robust base for the curry’s flavor.
Serrano pepper: Serrano peppers add a vibrant kick to curry, bringing some heat that enhances the dish’s rich spices.
Onion: Brings a savory depth and natural sweetness, forming a flavorful foundation that enhances the other ingredients.
Ginger and garlic: Together they deepen the savory taste and harmonizes the overall spice blend.
Curry powder: A blend of spices that is fundamental to the dish, providing a rich, complex aroma and vibrant color.
Coriander: With its fresh, citrusy notes, coriander enhances the brightness of the curry.
Cumin: Known for its warm, earthy flavor, cumin adds depth to the spice profile.
Milk: Used to create a creamy texture, milk softens the spices, resulting in a smooth sauce.

How to make shrimp curry

This healthy shrimp curry is perfect for those looking for a healthy, flavorful dinner idea.

Follow these simple steps to make this curry in your own kitchen.

Brown: Begin by heating a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tomatoes, the pepper, and onion to the pan and brown them until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This process will enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables and form the base of your curry.
Blend: Once browned, remove the vegetables from the pan and let them cool slightly. Transfer the vegetables to a blender and blend until smooth.
Bloom the spices: Using the same pan, add a bit more oil and then the spices. Mix together to form a paste. Gently heat until fragrant.
Cook the garlic and ginger: Add minced garlic and ginger to the bloomed spices and sauté for a minute. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning and to release the aromatics.
Add blended vegetables: Pour the blended vegetable mixture back into the pan. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring often to combine.
Simmer: Add the milk to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Cook the shrimp: Finally, add the shrimp to the simmering sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Serve and garnish: Serve the shrimp curry over a bed of rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!

Cooking tips

Making a flavorful and satisfying shrimp curry is easier than you think! Here are some essential tips to help you get the best results every time:

Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp – Fresh shrimp will give your curry the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.
Don’t overcook the shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly—usually within 2–3 minutes. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery, so add them towards the end of cooking and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Sauté your spices – To unlock the full depth of flavor, always sauté your curry spices in oil or butter before adding liquid ingredients. This helps release their natural oils and enhances the overall flavor.
Balance the flavors – A great shrimp curry has a balance of heat, sweetness, acidity, and creaminess. Taste as you go and adjust with a splash of lime juice or an extra pinch of salt if needed.

Conclusion

Making a healthy shrimp curry at home is easy!

With simple ingredients you can make a flavorful healthy meal in 30 minutes. Plus, this recipe is versatile—you can adjust the spice level, or serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this shrimp curry is a satisfying, protein-packed option that’s even better the next day.