Coconut Curry Prawns: A Taste of Southeast Asia in Your Kitchen (KETO-Friendly Options)
Let’s talk about something that’ll send your taste buds on a tropical vacation: Coconut Curry Prawns! 🌶️ Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just love a good food adventure, this dish has the magic to turn your kitchen into a Southeast Asian paradise.
We're diving deep into the rich, creamy coconut milk (seriously, can we ever get enough of it?) and a spice blend so perfect that it could get its own Netflix special. Oh, and we can't forget about those juicy prawns swimming in a pool of tasty curry. 🍛 Yeah, that’s the stuff!
A Flavor Bomb with Nutritional Benefits 💣
Not only does coconut curry prawn taste like a beachside vacation, but it's also full of health perks. Prawns are packed with lean protein and apparently rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and selenium.
Coconut milk—the MVP of this dish—is full of healthy fats and lauric acid, which can boost your immunity and keep your heart smiling. Plus, the spices like turmeric and coriander? Anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting. So, basically, it's delicious and good for you. Who knew indulgence could be so... responsible? haha.
Let’s Get Cooking! 🍴
Ingredients You'll Need:
3 Tbsp Oil (Coconut oil? Extra tropical vibes!)
2-3 Lemongrass Stalks (smash 'em up!)
½ Cup Minced Garlic (the more, the merrier)
½ Cup Sliced Shallots (your kitchen’s about to smell amazing)
3 lbs Shrimp or Prawns (peeled, deveined, and ready for a curry bath)
2 Cups Sliced Bamboo Shoots (because texture is everything)
1 Cup Sliced Carrots (for a pop of color)
2 Cups Red Bell Pepper (because we love some crunch)
3 Tbsp Minced Palm Sugar (KETO fam: go for keto brown sugar)
½ Cup Curry Paste (get the good stuff, y’all)
1 Can (13.5 fl oz) Coconut Milk (creamy goodness)
¼ Cup Sliced Green Onions
¼ Cup Sliced Cilantro (because #herblife)
½ Cup Basil Leaves
1.5 Cups Water
1 Tsp Salt (or more to taste)
1 Tsp MSG (optional, but flavor-enhancing magic)
1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, if you like a kick)
1 Tsp Fish Sauce (optional, but umami is life)
Let’s Cook!
Heat it up: Add oil to a pot on high heat. Throw in the lemongrass, garlic, and shallots. Fry 'em up until they’re slightly golden. (Warning: your neighbors might show up unannounced after smelling this.)
Carrots and bamboo shoots, in you go! Fry for a minute.
Bell peppers, now it’s your time to shine! Stir-fry for another minute.
The star of the show – curry paste. Stir it in and let it mingle with the veggies.
Sweeten the deal: Add palm sugar, salt, MSG, and fish sauce (if using). Mix it well, and let all those flavors party.
Time for the prawns! Add coconut milk and water. Toss in the prawns. Pop the lid on and let those bad boys cook, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly.
Garnish & Serve: Top with green onions, cilantro, red pepper flakes (if you're spicy like that), and basil. Serve it hot with rice or noodles, or eat it straight out of the pot—we won’t judge.
Chef’s Notes:
Pro Tip: Most of these ingredients can be found at your local Asian store. Trust us, fresh herbs and aromatics beat dried versions every time. Plus, you'll make friends with the shopkeepers who will give you insider cooking tips!
We strongly recommend using MSG and fish sauce. MSG brings out that umami flavor like nothing else, and fish sauce? It's the secret weapon for adding depth to your dish. That said, cooking is all about choice, so you do you.
Why You'll Love This Dish 😍
Coconut curry prawns are easy to make, filled with bold flavors, and packed with nutritional goodness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself (because why not?), this dish will impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite.
So, get out there, hit your local Asian store, and bring this delicious Southeast Asian curry home.
“Coconut curry with seafood is amazing. It’s our favorite seafood seasoning.”