This shrimp curry is the dish of my dreams! Amazing taste, just a handful of ingredients, and simple enough for a weeknight meal!
Shallot Crispies For Prez.
Breaking news: from this point forward, any creamy curry I whip up will demand a dollop of shallot crispies on top.
Wow! This entire shrimp curry combination is SO delicious. It could be my top dish from the whole SOS collection to date! Can I admit that? It has fantastic flavor from only about 5 main ingredients. (I use this Thai Kitchen red curry paste and always enjoy it. For yellow curry, I prefer Maesri.)
Also, if you’re able to summon a bit of extra energy, don’t forget those shallot crispies on top! Perfectly getting into all the delicious crevices! I can’t stop raving about them.
Fried shallots aren’t a novel concept – they’re a beloved topping in Southeast Asian cuisine, but to my knowledge, the addition of fried panko is a slightly unusual twist from a hungry home cook in Minnesota striving to enhance the shallot crunch even more. (That’s me.)
The curry of my dreams:
How it appears for my children:
I present the shrimp curry and rice at the table so they always have that choice, and perhaps one day they’ll share my enthusiasm for it. However, I generally also provide a plate of plain shrimp (like, just rinsing off the curry sauce from a few of them, seriously) and some extra steamed green beans or pepper strips. They usually opt for the plain options, adding butter or salt or store-bought sauces that they feel more comfortable with. It works for everyone without changing ingredients! ❤️
You can substitute a different protein if desired, but my argument for shrimp: they are tender and flavorful and can be added on top to cook in just 5 minutes. Hard to surpass.
Hope you adore this gem!
Thai Shrimp Curry with Delicious Shallot Crispies
Total Time:
25 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
This shrimp curry is the dish of my dreams! Amazing taste, just a handful of ingredients, and simple enough for a weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Shrimp Curry
Shallot Crispies
Instructions
- Prepare shallot crispies (optional): Heat oil over medium in a big skillet. Add shallots; cook until golden, 5-10 minutes. Mix in panko with shallots in the pan; sauté for a few more minutes until everything is golden. Move to a small bowl. Toss with herbs and a pinch of salt.
- Begin the curry: Clean the pan. Turn the heat back to medium. Pour in the oil, curry paste, garlic, ginger, and vegetables; allow it to cook for a few minutes. Stir in coconut milk; let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and veggies are getting tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp: Place shrimp on top of the bubbling curry. The shrimp will essentially steam / poach in the liquid! After 2-3 minutes, flip the shrimp to finish cooking on the other side. When they’re done, they’ll curl and be fully opaque – at this moment, they’re about half done.
- Season: Mix in fish sauce and brown sugar. Taste and adjust the flavors – add more heat with chili crisp, more saltiness with fish sauce, etc.
- You’re Finished! Yum. Spoon the curry over rice, and top with a sprinkle of the shallot crispies (OMG).
Notes
For the vegetables: I often use sweet red peppers cut into rings, and green beans chopped in half or thirds (about a heaping cup of each).
Other vegetable choices: Fresh spinach would be excellent (barely needs any cooking time – just about 1 minute, so add at the end). Frozen mixed vegetables could also work (don’t need much cooking time here, either – around 4-5 minutes).
For extra flavor: Adding some lemongrass or lime to the sauce provides brightness and deliciousness! I didn’t want to overcomplicate the ingredients so I left them out, but if you have some available, feel free to add it!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: shrimp curry, curry recipe, crispy shallots
Three More Incredible Curry Recipes
**Title: Delving into the Flavors of Thai Shrimp Curry with Crispy Shallot Topping**
Thai cuisine is famous for its vibrant flavors, fragrant spices, and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Among the many delightful recipes, Thai Shrimp Curry stands out as a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. When combined with a crispy shallot topping, this dish transforms into an irresistible culinary creation. Let’s explore the components, preparation, and cultural importance of this delicious dish.
**Ingredients and Flavor Profile**
Thai Shrimp Curry is a rich and creamy dish that typically showcases succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant curry sauce. The curry base is often made from coconut milk, providing a luscious texture and subtle sweetness. Essential components include:
– **Shrimp**: Fresh, plump shrimp are the star of the dish, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
– **Coconut Milk**: This creamy liquid serves as the base for the curry, adding richness and a hint of sweetness.
– **Curry Paste**: Red or green curry paste is utilized, based on the preferred heat level. These pastes are crafted from a combination of chilies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and various spices.
– **Fish Sauce**: A cornerstone of Thai cooking, fish sauce imparts depth and umami to the dish.
– **Palm Sugar**: This natural sweetener balances the spiciness and saltiness, resulting in a harmonious flavor sensation.
– **Lime Juice**: Fresh lime juice introduces a zesty brightness, enhancing the overall flavor.
– **Kaffir Lime Leaves and Thai Basil**: These herbs provide a distinctive aroma and freshness.
The crispy shallot topping offers a delightful textural contrast. Thinly sliced shallots are fried until golden brown, adding a crunchy element that complements the creamy curry.
**Preparation Method**
1. **Prepare the Curry Base**: Start by warming a bit of oil in a pan and introducing the curry paste. Cook until fragrant, then pour in the coconut milk, stirring to blend. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
2. **Cook the Shrimp**: Introduce the shrimp to the simmering curry base. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, making sure they remain tender.
3. **Season the Curry**: Stir in fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste, balancing the flavors.
4. **Incorporate Herbs**: Tear kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil into the curry, allowing their aromas to blend into the dish.
5. **Prepare the Crispy Shallots**: In a separate pan, heat oil and fry the sliced shallots until they are golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
6. **Assemble and Serve**: Ladle the shrimp curry into bowls and top with the crispy shallots. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles to absorb the flavorful sauce.
**Cultural Importance**
Thai Shrimp Curry is more than just a delicious dish; it reflects the culinary customs and cultural heritage of Thailand. The meal embodies the Thai philosophy of flavor and texture balance, creating a satisfying and memorable dining experience. It is often enjoyed during family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions, highlighting the significance of food in Thai culture as a unifying force.
**Conclusion**
Thai Shrimp Curry with Crispy Shallot Topping is a testament to the richness and appeal of Thai cuisine. The combination of creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, crowned with crunchy shallots, offers a symphony of flavors and textures that captivate the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an adventurous cook, this dish is bound to transport you to the lively streets of Thailand with each bite.