July 23, 2026 · 5 min

Quick Coconut Shrimp Curry with Zucchini and Bell Pepper

Dinner5 min886 cal / serving

This creamy coconut shrimp curry comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp, zucchini and bell pepper simmer in a spicy-sweet coconut sauce infused with Thai chili and lime. The result is a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Serve the curry over fluffy cilantro rice and top with crunchy peanuts and crispy fried onions for added texture. Each bite is a balance of creamy, spicy and fresh flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Recipe details

Dinner5 min886 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories886 kcalProtein33.4 gFat61.4 gCarbs52.3 gSugar20.1 gFiber4.5 gSodium4993 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: containsShellfish: containsPeanut: containsTree nuts: containsSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.

Ingredients

Microwavable Rice1 unit Microwavable RiceView ingredient guide
Zucchini1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guide
Shrimp10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guide
Curry Powder1 tablespoon Curry PowderView ingredient guide
Coconut Milk1 unit Coconut MilkView ingredient guide
Lime1 unit LimeView ingredient guide
Crispy Fried Onions1 unit Crispy Fried OnionsView ingredient guide
Bell Pepper1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Peanuts1 ounce PeanutsView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry produce. Trim and halve zucchini lengthwise; cut crosswise into ½-inch-thick half-moons. Core and slice bell pepper into ¼-inch strips. Rinse shrimp under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, curry powder, stock concentrate, a pinch of salt and pepper. (Use less curry powder if you prefer a milder flavor; you can add more later.) Bring coconut milk to room temperature.
  2. Heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until 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, whisking constantly to dissolve any large bits of coconut cream, then cover and turn off heat.
  3. Open rice and transfer to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons water (4 tablespoons for 4 servings), cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high until tender, about 90 seconds. (For richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon butter to the rice.) Quarter lime. Roughly tear cilantro leaves, discarding stems. Once curry is done, stir in juice from half the lime. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Divide rice between bowls and top with shrimp curry. Sprinkle with cilantro, peanuts and crispy fried onions. Serve with remaining lime wedges on the side. (If you have extra time, toast the peanuts first for extra crunch and flavor.)

Recipe Tips

For a milder curry, use less curry powder initially; you can always add more to taste.

Toasting the peanuts before serving adds extra crunch and flavor.

Add a pat of butter to the rice for a richer taste.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking.

Can I substitute the rice?

Absolutely. Jasmine rice, basmati rice or even cauliflower rice work well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra Thai chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering the curry.

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