Keto Shrimp Coconut Curry
This keto shrimp coconut curry is the keto-friendly answer to classic Thai curry: shrimp simmer for just a few minutes in a creamy coconut milk sauce with red curry paste, fresh ginger and lime. Baby spinach replaces the rice side. Per serving: 5 g net carbs, 28 g protein, 38 g fat.
Key facts at a glance
- Prep time: approx. 15 minutes.
- Approx. 5 g net carbs and 38 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: shrimp, coconut milk, red curry paste, baby spinach, ginger, lime, cilantro, olive oil.
- Creamy, aromatic and very filling; perfect as a keto dinner with a Thai twist.
Ingredients
One serving is intended as a main meal.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| shrimp | peeled, deveined | |||
| peeled, deveined | ||||
| full-fat coconut milk | - | |||
| red curry paste | 1 tbsp | |||
| 1 tbsp | ||||
| grated ginger | 1 tsp | |||
| 1 tsp | ||||
| baby spinach | - | |||
| olive oil | approx. 5 g; 1 tsp | |||
| approx. 5 g; 1 tsp | ||||
| lime | juice | |||
| juice | ||||
| fresh cilantro | - | |||
| salt | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
How to prepare it
Briefly sauté the curry paste in olive oil, deglaze with coconut milk and simmer for 3 minutes. Add grated ginger, drop in the shrimp and let them cook gently for 3 minutes. Fold in baby spinach, season with lime juice and finish with fresh cilantro.
Why this curry fits keto
Full-fat coconut milk (canned, at least 60 % coconut content) provides 20 g of fat and only 3 g of carbs per 100 ml, much of it as medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Red curry paste contains about 1 g of carbs per tbsp and very little sugar (check the label: under 2 g per 100 g). Shrimp deliver 24 g of protein with 0 g carbs. Baby spinach adds volume with under 0.5 g carbs per 50 g. The biggest carb source is the coconut milk; at 150 ml per serving that accounts for roughly 4 g.
Source: USDA FoodData Central - Coconut milk, canned , NIH ODS - Medium Chain Triglycerides
How can I vary the curry?
Instead of shrimp, try chicken strips (add 5 minutes of cooking time) or salmon cubes (3 minutes). For more heat, add a finely chopped chili. If you prefer green curry, swap the red paste for green curry paste; the macros stay practically identical.
Which coconut milk is the right one?
Choose a full-fat canned coconut milk with at least 60 % coconut content and no additives like guar gum and sugar blends. Light versions are less suitable because they lack fat and turn the curry watery.
Tips for a great curry
- Sauté the curry paste in oil before adding the coconut milk; the aroma becomes more intense.
- Do not let the coconut milk boil hard, or the fat will separate. A gentle simmer is enough.
- Add the shrimp last and do not cook them longer than 3 minutes, otherwise they turn rubbery.
- Stir in lime juice only after cooking; acid and heat damage the aroma.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 155 kcal | approx. 480 kcal | Filling main meal. |
| Filling main meal. | |||
| Fat | approx. 12 g | approx. 38 g | Rich in MCT from coconut milk. |
| Rich in MCT from coconut milk. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 1.5 g | approx. 5 g | Moderately low, mostly from coconut milk. |
| Moderately low, mostly from coconut milk. | |||
| Protein | approx. 9 g | approx. 28 g | From the shrimp. |
| From the shrimp. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.5 g | approx. 1.5 g | Curry paste adds salt; season sparingly. |
| Curry paste adds salt; season sparingly. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Is Thai curry paste keto-friendly?
Red or green curry paste usually contains under 1 g of carbs per tbsp. Watch the sugar content; brands with under 2 g of sugar per 100 g are no problem.
What side dish goes with the curry?
Cauliflower rice is the classic keto side, with about 2 g of carbs per 100 g. The baby spinach in the curry itself also makes it a one-pot meal.
How long does the curry keep?
Two days in the fridge. Shrimp turn rubbery faster when reheated; ideally warm them briefly over low heat.