Spicy Shrimp and Zucchini Curry

If you’re in the mood for a quick, flavorful meal that brings a touch of spice and comfort, look no further than this Spicy Shrimp and Zucchini Curry. It’s a dish that combines tender shrimp and fresh zucchini in a bold, aromatic curry sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned curry enthusiast or a beginner in the world of spices, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and simple preparation.

We recently enjoyed this dish during our Labor Day weekend, which was filled with fun and laughter. We spent quality time with family, soaking up the sun at the local park, playing games, and even had a little picnic. The highlight was Prisha's excitement at painting rocks and collecting flowers and leaves, and we all ended the day with a friendly water balloon fight that left everyone in giggles. The day was topped off perfectly by a delicious dinner, including this spicy shrimp curry, which added just the right amount of warmth and comfort to our evening after all the outdoor fun. So next time you're craving something spicy, quick, and utterly satisfying, give this Spicy Shrimp and Zucchini Curry a try. It’s a dish that’s bound to leave you reaching for seconds!

Ingredients:

• Shrimp - 10 oz, peeled and deveined
• Zucchini - 1, washed, thinly sliced 
• Red Bell Pepper - 1, washed, cut into strips
• Vegetable Stock - 1-2 tablespoons
• Peanuts - 1 oz
• Crispy Fried Onions - ¼ cup
• Curry Powder - 1 tablespoon
• Coconut Milk - 1 can (14 oz) 
• Sweet Thai Chili Sauce - 1 oz
• Cooking Oil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
• Fresh Cilantro - a handful, washed and chopped (for garnish)
• Lime - 1, washed, quartered
• Cooked Rice - about 2-3 cups (for serving)
• Butter - 1 tablespoon (optional)

Directions:

• Rinse shrimp under cold water, then pat dry. 
• In a medium bowl, mix shrimp, curry powder, stock concentrate, a pinch of salt and pepper. TIP: Use less curry powder if you like a milder flavor. You can always add more when you taste and season your finished curry.
• Drizzle oil in a hot large pan. 
• Add zucchini and bell pepper. 
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies are slightly tender, 5-6 minutes.
• Stir in seasoned shrimp; cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque and cooked through, 3-4 minutes more.
• Stir in coconut milk and chili sauce. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn off heat.
• To the Rice: For a richer flavor, add butter to the rice.
• Once curry is done, stir in juice from a quarter of the lime. 
• Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• Top rice with shrimp curry. 
• Sprinkle it with cilantro, peanuts, and crispy fried onions.
• Serve with remaining lime wedges on the side. 

Tips for a Perfect Curry:

• Customize the Heat: add some cayenne pepper per your spice tolerance. For a milder curry, reduce the amount or omit it entirely.

• If you have extra time, toast the peanuts first to add some extra crunch and flavor!

• Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this curry works beautifully with chicken, tofu, or chickpeas as well.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, or peas to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

This Spicy Shrimp and Zucchini Curry is the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and freshness. The shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tender zucchini, all enveloped in a rich, coconut-based curry sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to make you feel like you’re indulging in a special treat. Serve it with rice or naan to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Love Shrimp? Try these recipes as well:

• Quick Weeknight Dinner - Shrimp Stir Fry
• Chingri Malai Curry (Shrimp Curry with Coconut Milk)
• Buttery Lemony Garlicky Shrimp Scampi Pasta
• Chingri Alur Dalna (Shrimp and Potatoes Gravy)
• Grilled Salmon with Shrimp and Peppers
• Grilled Tandoori Shrimp
• Keto Pizza with Shrimp and Basil Pesto
• Pui Saag er Chochchori (Bengali recipe: Mixed vegetables with Shrimp and Malabar Spinach)
• Mix Chow Mein recipe
• Keto Pizza with grilled Chicken and Shrimp
• Creole Jambalaya - a quintessential New Orleans classic dish
• Jalapeno Shrimp
• Grilled Shrimp Plate with Fire Roasted Corn Salsa