Imagine a steaming bowl of luxurious seafood swimming in a velvety coconut milk broth, bursting with aromatic Thai-inspired flavors that transport you straight to a tropical coastline. This Creamy Seafood Stew is not just a meal; it's a culinary escape that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, fish)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cleaning and chopping the seafood into bite-sized pieces. Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined, scallops are patted dry, and fish is cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release their aromatic flavors.
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their essential oils, which will enhance the overall flavor of the stew.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, whisking to combine the ingredients thoroughly and create a smooth, creamy base for the stew.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Carefully add the mixed seafood to the simmering liquid, ensuring each piece is submerged. Cook for 4-6 minutes or until the seafood is just cooked through - shrimp should be pink and opaque, scallops should be white and firm, and fish should flake easily.
- Season the stew with salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the seafood to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Ladle the stew into serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.
- Serve hot, preferably with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious coconut curry broth.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Seafood: The key to an exceptional stew is using the freshest seafood possible. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent, and ensure your scallops and fish are from a reputable source.
- Don't Overcook the Seafood: Seafood cooks quickly! Watch carefully and remove from heat as soon as shrimp turn pink and fish flakes easily to prevent rubbery textures.
- Bloom Your Spices: When adding red curry paste, take a moment to cook it briefly in the pan. This releases deeper, more complex flavors that will elevate your entire dish.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the creamiest, most luxurious texture, always opt for full-fat coconut milk. Light versions won't provide the same rich consistency.
- Balance Your Flavors: Taste and adjust! A little extra salt or a squeeze of lime can transform the entire stew's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg
