Ingredients:
For the Steamed Shrimp and Fish:
12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
12 oz white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or snapper) 🐟
2 tablespoons lime juice 🍋
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for garnish 🌿
For the Coconut Curry Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅
3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
1-inch piece of ginger, grated 🫚
1 tablespoon curry powder 🌿
1 teaspoon ground cumin 🧂
1 teaspoon ground turmeric 🌟
1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat) 🌶️
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌰
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 🍂
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk 🥥
1 cup fish or vegetable broth 🍲
1 tablespoon fish sauce 🐟 (optional, but adds depth)
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Optional:
1/2 cup spinach leaves, chopped 🥬
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (for sweetness) 🍯
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steamed Shrimp and Fish:
Season the Seafood:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp 🦐 and fish fillets 🐟 with lime juice 🍋, salt, and pepper to marinate for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Steamer:
Set up your steamer or steaming basket. If you don't have a steamer, you can place a heatproof dish on a rack inside a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water, bringing the water to a simmer. Make sure the seafood will be placed above the water level.
Steam the Shrimp and Fish:
Place the seasoned shrimp and fish fillets in the steamer or on the steaming rack. Steam the seafood for 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the seafood from the steamer and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Coconut Curry Sauce:
Sauté the Aromatics:
While the seafood is steaming, heat olive oil 🫒 in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion 🧅, garlic 🧄, and grated ginger 🫚. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the Spices:
Stir in the curry powder 🌿, cumin, turmeric 🌟, paprika 🌶️, chili powder (if using), cinnamon 🌰, and coriander 🍂. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromas.
Add the Coconut Milk and Broth:
Pour in the coconut milk 🥥 and fish or vegetable broth 🍲. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season the Sauce:
Add the fish sauce 🐟 (if using) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a touch of sweetness, add the brown sugar or honey 🍯. Stir well to combine.
3. Combine the Seafood and Curry Sauce:
Add the Steamed Seafood:
Once the seafood is steamed, gently place the shrimp 🦐 and fish 🐟 into the curry sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors, being careful not to overcook them.
Add Spinach (Optional):
If you're using spinach 🥬, add it to the curry sauce and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish:
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro 🌿 on top of the curry for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve:
Serve your steamed coconut shrimp and fish curry over steamed rice 🍚 or with warm naan bread 🫓 to soak up the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice for a fragrant, light meal, or serve with a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch and freshness.
Pro Tip:
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the curry sauce for extra flavor and texture 🥕🌶️🥒.