Thai Red Curry with Shrimp and Vegetables is served with infused rice for the most flavorful and easiest curry ever! It's filled with vegetables, the most aromatic and delicious red curry-coconut milk broth, and the rice is infused with star anise and cardamom for even more flavor! The curry comes together in minutes, and you won't be able to stop using this method for making the best rice ever!
Begin by making the rice. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan (that has a lid). Once boiling, add the rice, cardamom pods, star ansie pods, and salt. Stir to combine. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and discard cardamom and star anise pods.
While the rice is cooking, make the curry. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil. Once hot, add the garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the scallions and shallot and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the curry paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
Add the coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through and vegetables are cooked to your liking.
Remove from heat, let cool for a minute or two, and stir in lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and chopped cilantro. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve the curry over the infused rice, and garnish with extra cilantro, Thai basil, and scallions. Serve with lime wedges.
*Sometimes cardamom pods can be trickier to find, depending on your grocery store. These are what I use when I can't find them at the store. Whole Foods usually has them too!
*Same goes for star anise pods. I get them here when I can't get them at the grocery store.
*This is the Thai red curry paste I use and love when I can't make my own!
*Make sure you use full-fat coconut milk here. The "lite" stuff isn't nearly as good, especially for this type of curry.
*If you can't find Thai basil, you can omit or use regular basil. It has a super unique flavor, so try to find it if you can!