Shrimp curry facts for kids
 |
|
| Alternative names | Prawn curry |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Southeast Asia, Lusophone |
| Associated national cuisine | Burmese, Indonesian, Indo-Portuguese, Mozambican, and Thai cuisines |
| Main ingredients | Shrimp and spices |
Shrimp Curry, also called Prawn Curry, is a tasty dish found in many parts of the world. It is especially popular in countries like Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia, India (Goa), Mozambique, and Thailand. This dish gets its name because it is made with shrimp, cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce.
The sauce for shrimp curry is usually yellow. It gets its color and taste from many different spices. Some common ingredients include grated coconut, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Other important flavors come from chilli, onion, garlic, tamarind, vinegar, sugar, and salt. People usually eat shrimp curry with plain white rice.
Contents
What is Shrimp Curry?
Shrimp curry is a type of "curry" dish. A curry is a dish with meat, vegetables, or seafood cooked in a spiced sauce. The word "curry" comes from the Tamil word "kari," meaning "sauce." Shrimp curry is a great example of how different cultures use similar ingredients to make unique and delicious meals.
Main Ingredients of Shrimp Curry
The most important part of shrimp curry is, of course, the shrimp! These are often called prawns in some places. The shrimp are cooked until they are tender and soak up all the flavors of the sauce.
The sauce is what makes the curry special. It's usually thick and creamy. The yellow color often comes from a spice called turmeric. Turmeric is known for its bright color and earthy taste.
Spices and Flavors
Many different spices are used to make shrimp curry. These include:
- Cumin: A warm, earthy spice.
- Coriander: A citrusy and slightly sweet spice.
- Chilli: Adds a bit of heat to the dish.
- Onion and Garlic: These are often cooked first to create a flavorful base.
- Coconut: Grated coconut or coconut milk makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- Tamarind: Gives the curry a tangy, sour taste.
- Vinegar, Sugar, and Salt: These balance out all the other flavors.
Shrimp Curry Around the World
Shrimp curry is made in many different ways across various countries. Each place adds its own special touch to the dish.
Burmese Prawn Sibyan
In Burmese cuisine, a popular version is called "prawn sibyan." This is a traditional Burmese curry. It uses whole prawns cooked in a special gravy. This gravy is made with many aromatic spices and shrimp oil. Shrimp oil is similar to a rich, flavorful paste found in the head of the shrimp.
Indonesian Shrimp Curry
In Indonesia, shrimp curry is very well-known. It is especially popular on the island of Sumatra. Different regions like Aceh, Minangkabau, and Malay cuisine have their own recipes for it. It's a favorite dish for many families there.
Portuguese and Mozambican Versions
Shrimp curry is also a common dish in Portugal. You can often find it in restaurants that serve food from Goa (a region in India) or Mozambique. This shows how food traditions can travel and become popular in new places.
How to Enjoy Shrimp Curry
Shrimp curry is almost always served with white rice. The rice helps to soak up all the delicious sauce. It makes a complete and satisfying meal. It's a dish that brings together many different flavors and cultures in one bowl!
