Madhur Jaffrey’s Goan Shrimp Curry

Updated Sept. 2, 2025

Madhur Jaffrey’s Goan Shrimp Curry
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
5(600)
Comments
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Madhur Jaffrey has published several iterations of this recipe in her cookbooks. This version, from her MasterClass course, is a full-flavored but very easy to prepare curry, perfect for a novice cook. The coconut milk-based sauce may be prepared in advance and the shrimp added just before serving. —David Tanis

Featured in: This 20-Minute Shrimp Curry Will Wow Everyone Who Tries It

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 2tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2medium shallots, finely chopped
  • 2teaspoons hot paprika or Kashmiri red chile powder
  • ½teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼teaspoon ground cayenne, or more if preferred
  • cups coconut milk (from a 13-ounce can)
  • pounds large or medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt
  • 2teaspoons lemon juice
  • Steamed basmati or jasmine rice, for serving
  • Cilantro sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

259 calories; 15 grams fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 8 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 25 grams protein; 445 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium-high. When oil is wavy, add shallots and fry until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in paprika, turmeric, pepper and cayenne. Stir spices to make a paste.

  2. Step 2

    Return pan to medium-high heat and add the (well-shaken) coconut milk. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring well.

  3. Step 3

    Add shrimp, season well with salt, and stir to coat. Add lemon juice and turn heat to low. Cook, stirring until shrimp are pink and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately with steamed basmati or jasmine rice and cilantro (if using).

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Ratings

5 out of 5
600 user ratings
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Comments

We make a similar sauce and freeze it in small ziploc bags. Then cook any protein and/or veggies in the instant pot and then add the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes and the meal is ready.

@LTF I am from goa and we make this dish almost everyday. I like your shortcut but you need to cook the frag shrimp in the coconut sauce to infuse the whole dish with it. Same with fish. This isn’t a recipe for meat or vegetables for which there are others.

@LTF What a brilliant idea!

I cut this in half for our family of two. Cooked according to the recipe instructions but found that I was woefully short of the sauce when finished cooking. If I repeat this again cut in half, I'd increase the amount of coconut milk significantly. I used the hot paprika, not the Kashmiri chili powder because my Kashmiri chilies are whole and I didn't want to spend the time grinding them manually or in a spice grinder. Probably will take the time to grind them when repeating.

Can I substitute Vzdouvan Curry instead of Turmeric?

I liked it a lot, yet my young guests wanted more spice. I loved the cilantro at the end. I did add a few frozen peas, but next time I will add a little more vegetable, such as chopped baby broccoli.

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Credits

Adapted From Madhur Jaffrey, MasterClass

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