Craving a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that's quick to make and bursting with authentic taste? Look no further than this Stir-fried Shrimp with Red Curry Paste recipe! This simple yet satisfying recipe delivers the rich, complex flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen table. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times – this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends. The bold red curry paste, fragrant with lemongrass, galangal, and chilies, perfectly complements the succulent shrimp, creating a symphony of taste in every bite.
We'll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and sour. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Thailand, and let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious stir-fry.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Knife
- Pan
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Lemongrass
- Galangal
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Turmeric
- Chili
- Salt
- Shrimp paste
- Sugar
- Fish sauce
- Seasoning powder
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Collect kaffir lime leaves from the garden, wash, and pick only the leaves. Roll and chop the leaves into thin strips.
- Slice lemongrass diagonally into small pieces.
- Peel fresh shrimp, remove heads and shells. Cut open the shrimp's back and remove the black vein.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound together sliced lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, turmeric, a little salt, and chili until fine.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Curry Paste and Shrimp
- Heat a pan over medium heat, add oil, and then add the curry paste. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the peeled shrimp and stir-fry until they start to cook.
Step 3. Add Aromatics and Seasoning
- Add chopped lemongrass and garden chili. Season with sugar, fish sauce, and seasoning powder.
- Sprinkle in shredded kaffir lime leaves, stir, and mix everything together.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Stir-fry until done. Turn off the stove, and serve.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- The recipe emphasizes using fresh ingredients and making the curry paste from scratch for a more fragrant and flavorful dish.
- The resulting dish should have bouncy shrimp and a rich, well-rounded flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 5-10g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes! Chicken, tofu, or even firm fish like cod work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients for the red curry paste?
You can use a store-bought red curry paste. Look for one with lemongrass, galangal, and chilies listed prominently in the ingredients.
3. How can I control the spiciness?
Start with less red curry paste and add more to taste. You can also adjust the amount of chilies added to the paste if making it from scratch.
This authentic Thai Stir-fried Shrimp with Red Curry Paste recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, flavorful cooking. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and aromas that transport you to Thailand with every delicious bite. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!