Shrimp Curry Recipe: A Deliciously Spiced Delight
This Shrimp Curry is a tantalizing blend of spices and flavors, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Not only can it be prepared ahead of time and reheated, but its rich flavors only improve after a day in the refrigerator. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that serves four and takes just a little over an hour from start to finish.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Shrimp Curry |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Cuisine | Indian/Asian |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Category | < 4 Hours |
| Description | This dish can be prepared a day ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve, or made fresh the day you plan to eat it. |
Ingredients
The following ingredients combine to create a fragrant and hearty shrimp curry that bursts with flavor.
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Raw shrimp in shells |
| 2 | Onions |
| 3 tablespoons | Butter |
| 2 tablespoons | Margarine |
| 2 tablespoons | Curry powder |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 1 | Limes (juiced) |
| 1 teaspoon | Ground turmeric |
| 1 | Tomatoes (diced) |
| 1 tablespoon | Tomato paste |
| Salt to taste | Salt |
| 1/2 – 1 cup | Celery (chopped) |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content can help in planning meals. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 396.5 |
| Total Fat | 13.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 367.9 mg |
| Sodium | 450.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20.9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7.5 g |
| Protein | 49 g |
Instructions
Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process to create this delicious shrimp curry. Each step is important to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
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Prep the Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, begin by soaking them in cold water for about 1 hour. Once they have thawed, peel the shrimp, ensuring to remove all shells.
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Prepare the Onions: While the shrimp is soaking, peel the onions and slice them into wafer-thin rings. This will ensure they cook evenly and contribute to the overall flavor of the curry.
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Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. This creates a rich base for your curry.
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Cook the Onions: Once the butter is melted and begins to bubble, add the sliced onions to the pan. Cook them until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. This step is crucial as it develops the flavor base for your curry.
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Remove the Onions: Once the onions are browned, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate. Set them aside for later use.
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Add Curry Powder: In the same saucepan, add the remaining butter along with the curry powder. Stir the mixture well, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot butter. This enhances their flavors, making the curry more aromatic.
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Prepare the Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine crushed garlic with 3 tablespoons of water and the juice of the limes. This will create a flavorful garlic-lime mixture that will elevate your dish.
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Incorporate Turmeric and Ginger: Add the ground turmeric and ginger to the garlic mixture and stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Return the Onions to the Pan: Place the browned onions back into the saucepan with the curry powder mixture. Stir to coat the onions in the spices, allowing them to reheat and absorb the flavors.
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Add Garlic-Lime Mixture: Pour the garlic-lime mixture into the saucepan all at once, stirring quickly to combine it with the other ingredients. The aromatic scent will fill your kitchen!
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Include Tomatoes and Paste: Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring continuously while bringing the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This simmering time is essential for developing deep flavors.
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Final Touches: After simmering, add the prepared shrimp and season with salt to taste. Incorporate as much chopped celery as you desire for added crunch and flavor.
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Remove from Heat: As soon as the shrimp turns pink and opaque (which should take just a few minutes), remove the pan from heat. Overcooking the shrimp can make them tough, so timing is key here.
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Serve or Store: Pour the shrimp curry into a serving dish. You can serve it immediately while hot, or let it cool down before covering and refrigerating it if you plan to serve it later.
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Reheating: If you choose to prepare this dish ahead of time, when reheating, make sure to avoid boiling the curry. Gently warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through to maintain the integrity of the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or warm naan bread, allowing you to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Conclusion
Enjoying a well-cooked Shrimp Curry is an experience filled with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. This recipe allows you to bring a taste of the exotic into your kitchen, while also being straightforward enough for any home cook to master. The fact that it can be prepared ahead of time makes it an excellent option for busy schedules, ensuring you have a delightful meal ready when you need it most. Embrace the rich spices and fresh ingredients that make this dish a favorite in many households, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding personal touches or variations!
Keywords
Shrimp Curry, Easy Shrimp Recipes, Indian Cuisine, Family Dinner Ideas, Make Ahead Meals, Spicy Seafood Dish, Curry Recipe, Healthy Shrimp Dinner, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner Ideas
