Thai Red Curry with Prawns and Bamboo Shoots
Why this recipe works
- Layered flavour: Red curry paste is briefly fried before the coconut milk is added, helping release its aromatics into the sauce.
- Rich but balanced: Fish sauce brings savoury depth, while lime juice cuts through the coconut milk for a fresher finish.
- Fast cooking: Prawns cook in minutes, making this a practical curry for a weeknight meal without a long simmer.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For a gentler curry: Use a milder red curry paste or start with less, then add more once the coconut milk has softened the heat.
- For more heat: Add extra curry paste when frying the aromatics, or finish with sliced fresh chilli at the table.
- Keep the heat rounded: A little sugar and lime help balance chilli heat without making the curry taste sweet or sharp.
Ingredient notes
- Choose good curry paste: The paste provides most of the seasoning and aroma, so use one with a flavour you like and adjust the amount to taste.
- Use raw prawns if possible: Raw peeled prawns are easier to cook gently in the sauce and are less likely to become rubbery than reheated cooked prawns.
- Fresh herbs matter: Fresh basil gives the curry a bright finish; coriander is a useful alternative if basil is unavailable.
Common mistakes
- Boiling the coconut milk: Keep the curry at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is added; aggressive boiling can make the sauce split.
- Overcooking the prawns: Add the prawns near the end and remove the pan from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Adding lime too early: Stir in lime juice off the heat so its fresh acidity stays bright rather than becoming dull.
Serving ideas
- Serve with jasmine rice: Jasmine rice is ideal for soaking up the coconut curry sauce without competing with its fragrance.
- Finish with herbs: Tear over extra basil just before serving for colour and a fresh aromatic lift.
- Pair with something crisp: A chilled lager, lime soda or iced tea works well against the curry’s richness and spice.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear, then cook it in a saucepan according to the packet instructions. Once tender, drain if needed, cover, and keep warm.
- Meanwhile, heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Finely slice the yellow onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in the red curry paste and caster sugar, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the bamboo shoots and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to warm through and let the flavours meld. Keep the heat low so the sauce stays smooth.
- Add the prawns and cook gently for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring, until they are just opaque and pink. Take the pan off the heat, then stir in the fish sauce and squeeze in the lime juice to taste.
- Tear in most of the fresh basil and stir through, reserving a little to finish. Serve the curry with the jasmine rice and scatter over the remaining basil.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the curry at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is added; a hard boil can cause the sauce to split.
- For the most tender result, add the prawns at the end and stop cooking as soon as they turn opaque.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are cooked through and piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace fresh basil with fresh coriander for a more traditional Thai-style finish.
- Replace caster sugar with palm sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- Replace sunflower oil with vegetable oil for a neutral alternative.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool the curry quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over a low heat until piping hot, stirring often; avoid boiling to keep the prawns tender. Store rice separately and reheat with a splash of water in the microwave until piping hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 35min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Thai
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Allergens:
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