Budget Seafood Massaman Curry
Craving bold, cozy flavors but don't want to spend a fortune or hours in the kitchen?
When you need a hug in a bowl without spending your whole paycheck, this seafood Massaman is your secret weapon. While traditional Massaman can take ages to simmer with heavy meats, we are streamlining the process by using a high-quality curry paste and hearty aromatics to build that iconic depth of flavor quickly. The creamy coconut milk creates a velvety texture that feels indulgent, while the shrimp (or any firm white fish) soaks up the warming notes of cinnamon and cardamom. It is the perfect choice for a weeknight when you want something exotic and satisfying but your energy levels are low. You'll love how the rich, earthy spices dance with the slight sweetness of the coconut milk. Just grab your favorite bowl and settle in for some seriously comforting vibes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp — peeled and deveined
- 1.5 cup coconut milk — full fat is best for creaminess
- 3 tbsp Massaman curry paste — check label to ensure it's your favorite heat level
- 1 cup vegetable broth — or water if you want to keep it simple
- 2 tbsp coconut oil — or any neutral cooking oil
- 1 tbsp fish sauce — adds that essential salty depth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar — balances the spice
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp sliced shallot
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro — for garnish
Method
- 1 Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- 2 Add the shallots and ginger, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they become fragrant.
- 3 Stir in the curry paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the oils to release their aroma.
- 4 Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine with the paste.
- 5 Add the fish sauce, brown sugar, and cardamom. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- 6 Gently fold in the shrimp (or fish). Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.
- 7 Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or a dash of sugar if needed.
- 8 Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian Swap — Replace the shrimp with extra-firm tofu cubes and swap the fish sauce for a splash of soy sauce.
- Extra Hearty — Add 1 cup of frozen peas or sliced carrots during the simmering step for added texture and nutrients.
Notes
If you use firm white fish like cod or tilapia, ensure they are cut into large chunks so they don't break apart during the final simmer.
Equipment that helps
- Large Pot — Allows you to simmer the broth and coconut milk together evenly.
Find more dinners like this
More like this
