Shrimp Curry

Total Time
Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Updated on Jul. 19, 2025

A quick stovetop dish with tender shrimp, fragrant onion and a tangy yogurt finish, this shrimp curry is weeknight dinner gold.

Shrimp are the overachievers of the seafood recipe world. They’re fast, fancy-looking and always up for taking on bold flavors. In this curry shrimp recipe, they meet their match in a fragrant blend of sauteed onion, garlic and curry powder. The shrimp cook in a flash, soaking up just enough of that golden spice before being cloaked in a creamy, tangy swirl of Greek yogurt that brings the whole thing together.

This isn’t a simmer-all-day situation. It’s a dinner that gets its act together in under 20 minutes and still manages to taste like you tried. A handful of chopped cilantro adds fresh zip, a spoonful of yogurt makes it feel slightly fancy and a steamy scoop of rice catches all that saucy goodness. It’s undemanding and flavorful, with just the right amount of fiery curry powder to wake up your taste buds without requiring a glass of milk and a fan.

Shrimp Curry Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Onion
  • Shrimp
  • Garlic
  • Curry powder
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cilantro
  • Water
  • Salt and pepper
  • Hot cooked rice

Directions

Step 1: Saute the onion

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, then cook and stir for one to two minutes, or until tender.

Step 2: Add the shrimp

Add the shrimp, and cook and stir for two minutes. Add the garlic and curry powder, and cook and stir for 30 to 60 seconds longer, or until the shrimp turn pink.

Step 3: Finish with yogurt and seasonings

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the yogurt, cilantro, water, salt and pepper. If desired, serve with rice.

How to Store Shrimp Curry

Store any leftover curry shrimp in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat it, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until just heated through—avoid boiling it, since the yogurt sauce can separate.

Shrimp Curry Tips

Can you use frozen shrimp in this shrimp curry recipe?

You can cook with frozen shrimp in this curry shrimp recipe—just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What’s a good substitute for Greek yogurt in this shrimp curry recipe?

To make this curry shrimp recipe without Greek yogurt, swap in sour cream for a similar tang and texture, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free version with a slightly sweeter flavor.

What side dishes go well with shrimp curry?

This shrimp curry pairs well with jasmine rice, sauteed spinach, grilled garlic naan or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Can you add vegetables to shrimp curry?

You can easily add vegetables to shrimp and curry—stir in baby spinach, chopped bell peppers or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.

Watch How to Make Curry Shrimp

Test Kitchen Approved

Curry Shrimp

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 5 min

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/3 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Hot cooked rice, optional

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until tender. Add shrimp; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add garlic and curry powder; cook and stir 30-60 seconds longer or until shrimp turn pink.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients. If desired, serve with rice.
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I created this Indian-style shrimp when we were entertaining some friends, one of our favorite things to do. It works on the stovetop or the grill. —Shana Conradt, Appleton, Wisconsin
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