If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and combines the creaminess of coconut milk with a tangy twist, this Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe is about to become your new favorite. The delicate shrimp perfectly soak up the luscious curry sauce, which balances spicy, sweet, nutty, and citrusy notes in every bite. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or want to impress friends with something exotic yet approachable, this recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create magic on your plate.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with a generous layer of cooked shrimp that are light pink and white in color. The shrimp are covered with a thick, creamy orange-yellow sauce with specks of green herbs mixed in. Chopped peanuts and fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled over the sauce and shrimp for added texture and color. The bowl is placed on a dark cloth with a small wedge of lime visible in the top left corner. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each element brings its own charm—from the rich coconut milk providing a silky base, to the fresh lime juice adding an uplifting zing, and the peanut butter rounding it all out with creamy nuttiness. Let’s dive into these essentials that turn simple shrimp into an unforgettable curry.

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp work best for a tender, juicy bite.
2 tablespoons red curry paste: The heart of aromatic spice, choose a good quality paste for vibrant flavor.
1 can coconut milk: Adds rich creaminess and tropical sweetness to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that savory depth and fragrance.
1 shallot, minced: Offers a mild onion flavor that sweetens as it cooks.
1/2 lime, juiced: Brightens the dish with fresh citrusy notes for balance.
3 basil leaves, sliced: Adds an herbal freshness that complements the curry spices.
1 tablespoon peanut butter: Brings a luscious, nutty thickness that defines this curry’s character.
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adjusts the sweetness to your liking, countering the heat and acidity.
1/2 cup packed spinach, roughly chopped: A pop of green and a boost of nutrition without overpowering flavors.
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped: For crunch and extra peanut flavor throughout the dish.

How to Make Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Start by heating a little oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, tossing occasionally to ensure even cooking. This quick step seals in their juicy texture and locks in flavor before setting them aside.

Step 2: Build the Curry Base

Next, reduce the heat to medium and add a touch more oil along with the red curry paste, minced shallot, and garlic to the same skillet. Stir frequently for about a minute, allowing those aromatic ingredients to bloom and release their fragrant oils, which forms the flavorful foundation for the curry.

Step 3: Add Coconut Milk and Flavorings

Pour in the coconut milk, then whisk in the peanut butter, fresh lime juice, sliced basil leaves, and brown sugar. The brown sugar is your secret weapon for balancing heat and tang, so start with one tablespoon and taste the sauce. Add the second tablespoon if you want a sweeter, more mellow profile. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt to enhance all those complex layers.

Step 4: Simmer and Add Greens

Let the sauce gently simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth and prevent sticking. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and peanuts, cooking just until the spinach wilts down and melds beautifully into the sauce—only a few minutes are needed here. Give it a final taste and adjust salt as necessary before moving on.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

For serving, pile a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice on each plate, spoon over plenty of the rich, saucy curry, and lay the cooked shrimp on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro on top for added texture and fresh brightness. This final touch makes the dish truly irresistible!

How to Serve Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe

Garnishes

The perfect garnish can elevate this Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Crushed peanuts add a delightful crunch and complement the creamy peanut butter in the curry. Fresh cilantro or basil leaves add vibrant color and boost the herbaceous aroma that ties the whole bowl together. A wedge of lime on the side never hurts for extra zing!

Side Dishes

This curry is incredible with a simple side of jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb twist, try serving it with cauliflower rice or even a warm naan bread to scoop up every bit of the flavorful curry. Light cucumber salad or grilled vegetables also provide a crisp, cooling balance to the rich, spicy main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just make your dinner feel special? Serve the curry in pretty bowls with a swirl of coconut cream on top and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for contrast. Layer the shrimp and greens thoughtfully so the vibrant colors pop. Or turn it into a vibrant bowl meal with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of chili oil for an added kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to store rice separately if you want to keep it from getting soggy.

Freezing

This curry freezes beautifully, which makes it an excellent option for meal prep. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from breaking. If it looks too thick, add a splash of coconut milk or water to restore the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work great as long as they’re fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture in your Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe.

Is there a substitute for red curry paste?

If you don’t have red curry paste, you can use yellow or green curry paste, but the flavor profile will change slightly. To maintain richness, consider adding extra garlic and chili flakes to balance the spice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the shrimp for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth if needed. This keeps all the vibrancy and creaminess of the Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe but makes it plant-based.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends largely on the curry paste you use and your adjustment of brown sugar. Red curry paste typically has a medium heat, balanced by the creamy coconut milk and sweetness from the sugar, making it pleasantly spicy rather than overpowering.

What’s the best way to adjust sweetness in the recipe?

The recipe includes 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar for you to adjust sweetness at the end. Start with one tablespoon and taste the sauce before adding more. This lets you personalize the Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe perfectly to your palate.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe is truly a joyful dish to make and enjoy. It brings together flavors and textures that feel exotic yet comforting, rich yet light, and spicy yet balanced in the best way. I encourage you to try it soon and watch how simple ingredients can be transformed into something utterly memorable and delicious at your own dining table.

Peanut Lime Shrimp Curry Recipe