EASY Shrimp Coconut Curry in Instant Pot

About this recipe

This Bengali-style shrimp coconut curry is one of the easiest dishes you will cook. Also called bhapa chingri (bhapa means steamed and chingri means prawns/shrimps), it involves no active cooking. Just grind the masala, mix it with the shrimp, and place it in the Instant Pot. It pairs perfectly with plain steamed rice.

This recipe is a perfect example to showcase how diverse Indian curries are. The masala base is made with mustard and poppy seeds, unlike typical Indian curries. No other spices are used and no onion or tomato is used.

This irresistible prawn curry has tender shrimp with a mild sweetness from the coconut to balance the pungent mustard. It is great for quick lunch or dinner and uses pantry staples only.

Read on for ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and different cooking methods to make this easy, flavorful, and delicious shrimp curry.

Ingredients

Shrimps or prawns: I have used tiger prawns in this recipe.

Oil: Traditionally, mustard oil is used; however, I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil.

Masala: Coconut, green chili, ginger, mustard seeds, and poppy seeds.

Coconut milk: Use store-bought or homemade coconut milk.

Step-by-step instructions

Wash the shrimp thoroughly. Keep the head, and tail intact. De-vein the shrimps and set them aside (step 1).

Grind grated coconut, poppy seeds, mustard seeds, ginger, half of the green chili, and ½ teaspoon of salt into a smooth paste using some water (steps 2,3).

To the ground paste, add olive oil, turmeric, and ½ teaspoon of salt (step 4).

Mix them well. Add the shrimps and mix well (steps 5,6).

Add the coconut milk and remaining green chili (step 7).

Add 2 cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place the bowl of shrimps on the trivet and place the trivet in the Instant Pot (step 8).

Secure the IP lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode on low pressure for 3 minutes. Do a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release (steps 9,10).

Useful tips

I have used cleaned and deveined tiger prawns with tails and heads intact. You may choose to remove the head and tail before using.

If you are using frozen shrimp, increase the pressure cooking time to 6 minutes.

Mustard seeds have a strong pungent taste. However, grinding it with salt and green chili helps reduce pungency.

You can replace fresh coconut with desiccated coconut. However, in that case, use warm water to grind.

It can be served with either Basmati rice, red rice, or sona masoori rice.

Cooking methods

I love making this dish in the Instant Pot, however, you can also make it on a stovetop, microwave, or oven. Follow this recipe until mixing the shrimp with the masala and the rest of the ingredients. Then use the cooking method of your choice.

Stovetop: Place the shrimp in a bowl and place it in the steamer. Steam them for 20 minutes.

Stovetop pressure cooker: Place the shrimp in a steel box with a tight lid. Add water to the pressure cooker and place the box. Pressure cook for one whistle.

Microwave: Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe bowl, cover them with a cling wrap, and make holes for steam to escape. Microwave for 5 minutes.

Oven: Place the shrimp in an oven-safe tray and cover with foil. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 390 F (200 C) for 15-18 minutes. Remove from the oven, remove the foil and let it sit for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What to serve with prawn curry?

This dish pairs very well with plain steamed Basmati rice. You can also serve it with Sona masoori rice or red rice.

Bonus

This shrimp coconut curry is:

- unique, flavorful, delicious,

- very easy to make with no active cooking

Recipe card