July 6, 2026 · 5 min

Quick Coconut Shrimp Curry with Zucchini and Peanuts

Dinner5 min987 cal / serving

When a creamy, spicy curry craving hits, this lightning-fast recipe delivers in just 15 minutes. Tender shrimp, zucchini and bell pepper simmer in a luscious coconut sauce spiked with sweet Thai chili and lime. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.

Serve the curry over fluffy cilantro rice, then pile on crispy fried onions and crunchy peanuts for texture. A squeeze of fresh lime brightens every bite. This one-pot wonder is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.


Recipe details

Dinner5 min987 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories987 kcalProtein55.5 gFat62.5 gCarbs53 gSugar20.1 gFiber4.5 gSodium5666 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
Shrimp20 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 for a milder flavor; you can add more later.)
  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 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. (Optional: toast peanuts first for extra crunch and flavor.)

Recipe Tips

For a milder curry, start with less curry powder and add more to taste.

Toasting the peanuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes enhances their flavor and crunch.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the curry simmer uncovered for an extra minute before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before seasoning. Adjust cooking time if needed.

What can I substitute for coconut milk?

Full-fat coconut milk gives the best creamy texture, but you can use light coconut milk or even heavy cream for a different flavor.

How do I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Thai chili sauce or use a mild chili sauce. You can also add a spoonful of yogurt or extra coconut milk to mellow the heat.

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