Simple Thai Red Curry Shrimp |
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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 40 |
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The executive chef at the university where I work gives occasional cooking classes, and this recipe was easy and delicious. Works well as an appetizer for 10 (if you have bread to sop up the sauce!) or as an entree for 4 over rice or pasta. Chef Chad Licsko directed us to try to balance sweet, sour, and savory elements of the sauce, which gave us lots of excuses to check for taste!! Ingredients:
2 tablespoons peanut oil |
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced |
2 tablespoons garlic, minced |
2 tablespoons scallions, sliced |
1/4 cup red curry paste |
1 (14 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk |
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice |
1 teaspoon sugar |
1 cup heavy cream |
1/4-1/2 cup lime juice |
1 stalk lemongrass |
salt and pepper, to taste |
1 lb fresh shrimp |
2 cups cooked rice |
chopped fresh parsley (to garnish) |
Directions:
1. Heat 1 T. of the oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the ginger, garlic, and scallion, stirring until tender and very fragrant, but not browned, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in the curry paste, mixing well, and continue sautéing 3 - 4 more minutes.
3. Add coconut milk, mixing well (coconut milk often separates in the can), and then add tomatoes and their juice, sugar, and cream.
4. Add 1/4 cup lime juice and check for taste. Add more if needed.
5. Break the lemongrass at several points along the stem and add to mixture. Don't worry if it does not break completely: you're just trying to release its juices. Add salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and allow to cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Meanwhile, first peel and then devein the shrimp. To devein, use a small, sharp knife to slice open the back of the shrimp (the side without legs) to expose a black, stringy vein. A paper towel in hand does an excellent job of grabbing the vein in one piece out of the slippery shrimp. Rinse cleaned shrimp in cold water and drain. Pat dry. Discard shells and veins and wash hands and equipment thoroughly.
7. Heat the remaining oil in another skillet until hot but not smoking. Add the shrimp in one layer, about 1 minute per side, until just pink. Shrimp are very easy to overcook. Remove from heat.
8. Remove lemongrass and add sauce to shrimp. Serve over hot rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
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