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Sweet-Spiced Shrimp Curry

This shrimp curry blends fiery spices with a touch of honey to create a layered, flavorful dish. Using a quick simmering method, the sauce develops a rich, velvety texture, while the shrimp remain tender and juicy. The final appearance is a vibrant, slightly thickened sauce coating plump shrimp, ready to serve over rice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: South Asian, Southeast Asian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup coconut milk full-fat preferred
  • 1 can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh, chopped
  • 1 lb shrimp wild-caught, peeled and deveined
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek optional
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil vegetable or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • salt to taste salt
  • fresh cilantro for garnish cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed skillet or pan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, with the edges just starting to turn golden.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook together for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture releases a warm, spicy aroma.
  3. Stir in the spices: turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and chili powder. Toast the spices for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until they darken slightly and smell nutty and fragrant.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and add the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and turns a rich, reddish hue.
  5. Meanwhile, pat dry the shrimp with paper towels and season lightly with salt. When the sauce is ready, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque with a slight jiggle in the center.
  6. Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle the honey over the curry. Stir gently to combine and cook for an additional minute, allowing the honey to meld into the sauce, giving it a glossy sheen and subtle sweetness.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and let the curry rest for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and deepen. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot over steamed rice. Enjoy the vibrant, layered flavors of your sweet-spiced shrimp curry!