This creamy shrimp curry has become my ultimate go-to weeknight dinner. Its exceptional flavor profile, combined with the convenience of being ready from prep to plate in mere minutes, makes it an unbeatable choice for any busy home cook. Like many of us, I’m a huge fan of any meal that can be prepared, cooked, and served in under 30 minutes, and this Indian shrimp curry absolutely delivers!

The magic happens with a harmonious blend of simple yet potent spices: robust curry powder, aromatic ground coriander, earthy turmeric, and a hint of chili powder for that perfect subtle kick. These spices are carefully balanced to complement, rather than overpower, the natural sweetness of the shrimp. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, swapping the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk creates an equally delicious, rich, and creamy shrimp curry with coconut milk.

I personally love serving this vibrant curry with a bed of fluffy steamed rice and a generous side of warm naan bread – it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredibly flavorful sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Curry Recipe

• Lightning Fast: Ready in just 20-30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss.
• Bursting with Flavor: A delicate balance of Indian spices creates a deeply satisfying and aromatic curry sauce that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences or dietary needs, whether you want to add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or make it dairy-free.
• Family-Friendly: Its mild to medium spice level is appealing to most palates, and can be easily adjusted for those who prefer more heat.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and customizable with plenty of fresh vegetables.

If you enjoy quick and flavorful shrimp dishes, be sure to explore some of my other favorites: this savory Shrimp Creole Recipe, the sticky-sweet Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp, perfectly crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, a delightful Lemon Shrimp Pasta, or these vibrant Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers.

Essential Recipe Ingredients

Creating this delicious shrimp curry requires a handful of accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is vital for that authentic flavor:

• Olive Oil: My preferred oil for its light flavor and health benefits, perfect for sautéing both the shrimp and vegetables to build the initial layers of flavor. Any neutral-flavored cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, would also work well.
• Shrimp: The star of our dish! For ultimate convenience and a quick cooking process, I recommend using one pound of raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Fresh is always best, but good quality frozen shrimp (thawed thoroughly) works perfectly too. Look for medium to large shrimp for the best texture.
• Seasoning for Shrimp (Curry Powder & Chili Powder): Before searing, the shrimp gets a light dusting of curry powder for an immediate aromatic boost and a pinch of chili powder to awaken the taste buds. This pre-seasoning ensures every bite of shrimp is packed with flavor.

For the Creamy Curry Sauce:

• Red Onion: I find red onion’s lovely mild and slightly sweet flavor to be ideal for this curry. It caramelizes beautifully without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. If red onion isn’t available, shallots or a yellow onion can be substituted, though red onion is my top recommendation.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for a fragrant and robust curry sauce. I typically use 2-3 cloves, but feel free to adjust to your garlic preference. If you’re short on time, garlic paste from a jar is a convenient alternative.
• Passata (Tomato Sauce): This smooth tomato purée forms the rich, vibrant base of our curry sauce. Passata offers a consistent texture and deep tomato flavor, differing slightly from chunky diced tomatoes. If using canned tomato sauce, ensure it’s plain and unsalted.
• Indian Spices (Curry Powder, Ground Coriander, Turmeric, Chili Powder): This combination creates the signature Indian-inspired flavor. Curry powder provides the foundation, ground coriander adds warmth and citrusy notes, turmeric contributes its earthy flavor and beautiful golden hue, and chili powder allows you to control the heat level to your liking.
• Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar (about a teaspoon) is added to the curry sauce. This isn’t for sweetness, but rather to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the boldness of the spices, creating a more rounded and complex flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives our curry its luxurious, silky, and creamy texture. Stirred in towards the end of cooking, it enriches the entire dish. For a lighter or dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream are excellent substitutes, providing similar richness with a subtle tropical hint. A thick Greek yogurt can also be used for a tangy, creamy alternative.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce to perfection and bringing out all the other flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro & Lime Wedges: While technically garnishes, fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color, and a squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens the entire dish, enhancing all the flavors.

Please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page for precise ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Shrimp Curry

This Indian Shrimp Curry Recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. The rich curry sauce acts as a fantastic base for numerous delicious variations:

• Alternate Proteins:
  • Fish: Instead of shrimp, try using firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia, or even salmon. Add the fish towards the end of the cooking process, simmering gently until it’s cooked through and flaky.
  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces work wonderfully. Sear the chicken until browned before starting the sauce, then let it simmer in the curry until fully cooked, adjusting times as needed.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: Easily transform this into a plant-based meal by swapping the shrimp for hearty legumes like white beans, chickpeas, or firm tofu cubes. Ensure you use coconut milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a truly vegan version.
• Boost with Vegetables: This curry welcomes a variety of vegetables. Try adding zucchini, green beans, bell peppers (any color), carrots (sliced thinly), or even a handful of green onions. Add firmer vegetables like carrots and bell peppers earlier with the onion, while softer veggies like zucchini and green beans can go in later to retain some bite.
• Add Fresh Ginger: For an extra layer of aromatic warmth, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic. It truly elevates the Indian flavors.
• Leafy Greens: Towards the end of cooking, stir through a generous handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale. They will wilt quickly into the hot sauce, adding nutrients and vibrant color.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, increase the amount of chili powder, or add a tablespoon of red curry paste for a more intense flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also provide a quick burst of spice.
• Fresh Herbs: Beyond cilantro, consider stirring in some fresh parsley or mint for a different aromatic touch.
• Citrus Brightness: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice or lemon juice right before serving will brighten the flavors and add a refreshing zest.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easy Shrimp Curry Recipe

Making this creamy shrimp curry is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp. Begin by placing a large skillet or Dutch oven over a medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and season them generously with half of the curry powder and chili powder. Sear the shrimp for approximately 1 minute on each side, just until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the seared shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic cloves (and grated fresh ginger, if using) and cook for just 1 more minute until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Develop the Curry Sauce Base. Pour in the tomato passata (or tomato sauce), along with the remaining curry powder, chili powder, ground coriander, turmeric, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 6 minutes, or until it visibly darkens and thickens slightly. This step allows the spices to bloom and meld with the tomato, building a robust flavor base. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Serve. To complete the luxurious sauce, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk/cream). Bring the curry to a gentle simmer, just until it’s heated through and slightly thickened. Return the seared shrimp to the pan and gently toss them with the warm sauce to coat. Remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges, alongside your choice of brown rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or homemade naan bread.

Tips for the Best Easy Shrimp Curry

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Sear them briefly and then just warm them through at the end in the sauce.
• Bloom Your Spices: Cooking the dry spices with the onions and garlic, and then with the tomato base, helps to toast them lightly and release their full aromatic potential, leading to a more complex and flavorful curry.
• Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: While convenience ingredients are great for speed, using fresh garlic, onion, and cilantro will always yield the most vibrant flavors.
• Adjust Spice Level to Taste: The amount of chili powder (and additional red pepper flakes or paste) can be easily adjusted to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your curry before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or even a touch more sugar or lime juice to perfectly balance the flavors.
• For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker curry, let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes before adding the cream, or create a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water and stir it in during the last minute of simmering.
• For a Thinner Sauce: If your sauce is too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of warm water, vegetable broth, or additional coconut milk/cream.

What to Serve with Your Creamy Shrimp Curry

This versatile shrimp curry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Rice: The classic choice! Basmati rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice.
• Naan Bread: Warm, fluffy naan is essential for scooping up every last bit of that creamy curry. Garlic naan is an especially delightful pairing.
• Other Breads: Consider roti, paratha, or even simple pita bread.
• Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier or gluten-free alternative to rice, quinoa or couscous make excellent bases.
• Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds extra nutrients and a different texture.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich curry.
• Raita: A cooling cucumber and yogurt raita can balance the spices beautifully.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious shrimp curry for days to come:

• Storage and Reheating: Once the curry has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, gently warm the curry on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can quickly become tough. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
• Freezing: This curry freezes exceptionally well! I often double the recipe so I can enjoy one batch now and freeze the other for a quick meal later. After the curry has cooked and cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen curry to the refrigerator to defrost thoroughly overnight. Once thawed, reheat gently on the stovetop as described above, ensuring the shrimp doesn’t overcook.