If you're looking for a delicious seafood dish that's packed with flavor, look no further than green curry shrimp! This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant, spicy sauce that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. And with just 500 calories per serving, it's a great choice for anyone looking to savor the taste of Thai cuisine without sacrificing their diet.
In addition to being low in calories, green curry shrimp is also a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Shrimp is particularly high in vitamin B12, which helps keep your nervous system healthy, and is also a good source of selenium, a mineral that may help reduce your risk of certain cancers.
But while green curry shrimp is definitely a delicious and nutritious dish, it's important to keep in mind that it can be high in sodium if you're not careful. So if you're watching your salt intake, you may want to consider some of the tips and alternatives we'll discuss below.
An Overview of Green Curry Shrimp
Green curry shrimp is a flavorful Thai dish that features tender, succulent shrimp cooked in a spicy, fragrant curry sauce. This dish is typically made with an array of aromatic herbs and spices, including lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and cilantro. To make green curry shrimp, the shrimp is first cooked in the curry sauce until it's tender and flavorful. The sauce is then ladled over a bed of rice or noodles, and served with steamed vegetables and other accompaniments.
Ingredients Used in Green Curry Shrimp
Green curry shrimp is typically made with a wide range of ingredients, including:
- Shrimp
- Green curry paste
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger or galangal
- Lemongrass
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Thai basil
- Cilantro
- Fish sauce
- Palm sugar
- Salt
- Vegetables (optional)
How to Cook Green Curry Shrimp
If you're looking to make green curry shrimp at home, here's a simple recipe you can follow:
- Heat some oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger or galangal, and cook until softened.
- Add the green curry paste and cook for another minute or two, until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and any vegetables you'd like to use, and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Stir in some fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice to taste.
- Serve over a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with cilantro and Thai basil.
One tray (350 g) of green curry shrimp typically contains the following nutrients:
- calories: 500
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1540 mg
Benefits and Risks of Eating Green Curry Shrimp
Green curry shrimp can provide a range of health benefits, including:
- Good source of protein
- Source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and selenium
- May help reduce risk of certain cancers
However, it's important to keep in mind that green curry shrimp can also be high in sodium, which can increase your risk of high blood pressure and other health issues. If you're watching your salt intake, you may want to consider some of the tips and alternatives we'll discuss below.
Ways to Make Green Curry Shrimp Healthier
If you're looking to make green curry shrimp a healthier dish, here are some tips you can try:
- Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of fish sauce to add flavor
- Use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk to reduce calories and fat
- Add plenty of vegetables to your curry to boost its nutritional value and fiber content
- Use whole-grain rice or noodles to up the fiber content of your meal
Alternative Seafood Dishes with Fewer Calories
If you're looking to enjoy Thai cuisine without the high calories and sodium of green curry shrimp, here are some alternative seafood dishes you can try:
- Tom yum soup with shrimp
- Stir-fried shrimp with vegetables and brown rice
- Grilled or baked fish with vegetables and quinoa or whole-grain couscous
- Steamed mussels with herbs and spices
Cooking Tips for Green Curry Shrimp
If you're new to cooking Thai cuisine or just looking for some tips to improve your green curry shrimp, here are some strategies to try:
- Use fresh herbs and spices whenever possible for the best flavor
- Don't overcook the shrimp, or they'll become rubbery and tough
- Adjust the amount of curry paste you use to taste - some brands can be quite spicy!
- Use a range of vegetables in your curry for added nutrition and flavor
- Serve your curry with lime wedges and fresh herbs for added brightness
Serving Suggestions for Green Curry Shrimp
If you're looking for some ideas to serve alongside your green curry shrimp, here are some suggestions:
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas
- Steamed rice or noodles
- Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, and basil
- Lime wedges
Where to Find Delicious Green Curry Shrimp
If you're looking to enjoy green curry shrimp at a restaurant or from a takeout spot, here are some suggestions:
- Your Favorite Thai Restaurant
- Your Local Takeout Spots
- Thai Express
With these tips and tricks in hand, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious and nutritious Thai meal in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Green Curry Shrimp
1. What is green curry shrimp?
Green curry shrimp is a Thai-inspired dish made with shrimp, green curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables, and herbs. It is a mixture of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that is typically served with rice.
2. How many calories are in a tray of green curry shrimp?
A tray of green curry shrimp, weighing 350 grams, contains around 500 calories. The calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients used and the serving size.
3. Is green curry shrimp healthy?
Green curry shrimp can be a healthy dish if it is made with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and minimal amounts of added sugar and fat. However, it can be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat if it contains fatty cuts of meat, coconut cream instead of coconut milk, and high amounts of sugar or salt.
4. Can green curry shrimp be made without shrimp?
Yes, green curry can be made with various other proteins, such as chicken, beef, tofu, or vegetables. You can also substitute the shrimp with other seafood, such as fish, scallops, or clams, to give different flavors and textures to the dish.
5. What are some tips to make the perfect green curry shrimp?
To make the perfect green curry shrimp, use fresh ingredients, such as shrimp, vegetables, and herbs. Make the green curry paste from scratch, or use high-quality, authentic pre-made paste. Adjust the spice level according to your taste, and add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Serve the curry with steamed rice, naan bread, or noodles.