Authentic Vietnamese Cà Ri Tôm (Shrimp Curry) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 800 grams of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 can (400 ml) of coconut milk
  • 1 carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Steamed rice for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute.
  4. Stir in the curry powder until the onions and garlic are fully coated.
  5. Add the coconut milk, carrot, and potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Add the shrimp to the pot, along with the sugar, salt, and pepper.
  8. Continue to simmer the curry for another 10 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.
  9. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, if necessary.
  10. Serve the Cà Ri Tôm hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and alongside steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Used for cooking the curry and simmering the ingredients.
  • Vegetable oil - Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and potatoes.
  • Knife - Used for cutting the vegetables and deveining the shrimp.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for accurately measuring the curry powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Stirring spoon - Used for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pot.
  • Can opener - Used for opening the can of coconut milk.
  • Serving dish - Used for serving the Cà Ri Tôm.
  • Fresh cilantro - Used as a garnish for the dish.
  • Rice cooker or pot - Used for cooking the steamed rice.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a meat-free version.
  • Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.
  • Experiment with different curry powders or curry pastes for unique flavor profiles.
  • Include a tablespoon of fish sauce for a more authentic taste.
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the curry for a creamy twist.
  • For a spicier version, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili powder.
  • Replace coconut milk with coconut cream for a richer and creamier texture.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for a tangy kick.
  • Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or crushed peanuts for added crunch.
  • Serve the curry with naan bread or roti instead of steamed rice.

Recipe overview

This flavorful and comforting dish, Cà Ri Tôm, is a Vietnamese shrimp curry that's perfect for any seafood lover. This recipe beautifully marries the sweet taste of shrimp with the warmth of curry, all enhanced by creamy coconut milk. The addition of hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes make the dish filling and satisfying. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the simple steps to create this delightful dish at home. Expect to sauté onions and garlic, simmer a rich coconut curry, and perfectly cook shrimp for a meal that's sure to impress. Served over a bed of steamed rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, this vibrant and savory curry is a wonderful introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. It's an easy-to-follow recipe that yields a dish with complex flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before adding it to the curry.
  2. Can I use a different type of protein instead of shrimp? Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the protein is fully cooked.
  3. How spicy is this curry? The spiciness of the curry can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a mild curry, you can reduce the amount of curry powder used. Feel free to add more curry powder or chili flakes if you like it spicier.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to the curry? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add or substitute vegetables based on your taste. Popular additions include bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
  5. Can I make this curry in advance? Yes, you can make the curry in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftover curry in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the curry and simmer the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - Used to chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and potatoes.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and preparing the vegetables.
  • Spatula - Helps in stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - Required for accurately measuring the curry powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Can opener - Needed to open the can of coconut milk.
  • Serving bowls - Used to serve the Cà Ri Tôm curry.
  • Garnish sprigs - Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnishing the curry.
  • Rice cooker or pot - Used to cook the steamed rice.

Origin stories

Cà Ri Tôm, or Vietnamese shrimp curry, is a dish that truly embodies the fusion of cultures in Vietnamese cuisine. The use of curry powder speaks to the Indian influence on the east coast of Vietnam, while the coconut milk is a nod to the Thai flavors in the west. However, the inclusion of local ingredients like shrimp brings it back home, making it uniquely Vietnamese. This is the beauty of Vietnamese cooking, where foreign elements are adapted and localized in a way that feels entirely natural and authentic to its culinary heritage. This vibrant and flavorful dish is a testament to Vietnam's historical and cultural journey, told through its food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.