1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creamy Indian Shrimp Curry

Creamy Shrimp Tikka Masala Recipe

Featured in Reliable Main Course Recipes.

This Shrimp Tikka Masala transforms the classic Indian dish into a seafood lover's delight. The recipe starts by coating plump shrimp in a blend of warm, aromatic spices before quickly searing them to perfection. The magic happens in the sauce, where a combination of onions, garlic, and ginger form the flavor base for a symphony of traditional Indian spices. Tomato puree provides a rich foundation, while heavy cream adds luxurious richness and balances the warmth of the spices. What makes this version special is how it adapts the traditional chicken dish for seafood, resulting in a quicker cooking time without sacrificing any of the depth of flavor. The two-step cooking process ensures the shrimp stays tender while absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Chef Zaho
Updated on Sat, 24 May 2025 17:01:03 GMT
Creamy Shrimp Tikka Masala Recipe Pin it
Creamy Shrimp Tikka Masala Recipe | alicesrecipes.com

The first spoonful of Creamy Shrimp Tikka Masala envelops your senses in a warming embrace of aromatic spices and rich tomato sauce. This delightful spin on a classic Indian dish features plump, tender shrimp that perfectly absorbs the complex flavors of the sauce. After making countless variations of tikka masala, I've found that shrimp brings a special sweetness that complements the spiced sauce in a way that's uniquely satisfying.

Last week, I made this for friends who claimed they weren't fans of Indian food - they ended up asking for seconds. The secret lies in layering the spices properly and not overcooking the shrimp.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Shrimp: Choose large or jumbo (16-20 count) for best texture. Fresh is ideal, but properly thawed frozen works well
  • Garam Masala: The backbone of tikka masala flavor. Look for a fresh, aromatic blend
  • Tomato Puree: Provides better consistency than diced tomatoes or paste
  • Heavy Cream: Creates that signature richness. Full-fat is worth the splurge here
  • Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Their brightness can't be matched by dried versions
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bloom the spices
Creamy Indian Shrimp Curry Pin it
Creamy Indian Shrimp Curry | alicesrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

1. Perfect the Shrimp

Step 1:
Pat completely dry before seasoning
Step 2:
Season just before cooking to prevent drawing out moisture
Step 3:
Cook just until they turn pink and curl slightly
Step 4:
Remove immediately to prevent overcooking

2. Build the Flavor Base

Step 1:
Cook onions slowly until truly soft and translucent
Step 2:
Add spices to hot oil to bloom their flavors
Step 3:
Let garlic and ginger become fragrant but not brown
Step 4:
Simmer tomato puree long enough to lose its raw flavor

3. Create the Silky Sauce

Step 1:
Add cream gradually while stirring
Step 2:
Keep at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling
Step 3:
Return shrimp to sauce just before serving

My first attempt at this dish taught me that timing is everything. Overcook the shrimp, and they become rubbery; rush the sauce, and the flavors don't develop properly.

Spice Strategy

Layering spices at different stages creates depth. I season the shrimp directly, then bloom more spices in the oil before adding the tomato base.

Make-Ahead Magic

The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently and add freshly cooked shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

While rice is traditional, I love serving this with homemade naan for scooping up that delicious sauce. A simple cucumber raita on the side helps balance the heat.

Creamy Shrimp Tikka Masala Recipe - Easy Indian Dinner Pin it
Creamy Shrimp Tikka Masala Recipe - Easy Indian Dinner | alicesrecipes.com

Final Thoughts: This Creamy Shrimp Tikka Masala represents the best of fusion cooking - taking beloved traditional flavors and adapting them to create something exciting and new. The combination of tender shrimp and aromatic sauce creates a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you're an experienced cook or new to Indian flavors, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to completely thaw and pat them dry before seasoning. This ensures they sear properly rather than steam.
→ What is garam masala?
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices common in Indian cuisine, typically including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
→ Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder for a milder version that still has all the aromatic flavors.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut milk makes a great dairy-free alternative that complements the Indian flavors. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or light cream.
→ What should I serve with shrimp tikka masala?
Basmati rice is traditional, but it also pairs well with naan bread, cauliflower rice (for low-carb), or a simple cucumber salad.

Creamy Indian Shrimp Curry

Plump, tender shrimp cooked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic Indian spices - a restaurant favorite made easy at home.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Spiced Shrimp

01 1½ lbs. raw shrimp, large size, defrosted, tails removed
02 1 tsp garam masala
03 1 tsp garlic powder
04 ½ tsp ginger
05 ½ tsp turmeric
06 ½ tsp chili powder
07 ½ tsp salt
08 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Tikka Masala Sauce

09 2 tbsp olive oil
10 1 tbsp butter
11 1 large onion, finely diced
12 2 tbsp garlic, minced
13 1 tbsp ginger, minced
14 2 tsp garam masala
15 2 tsp cumin
16 1 tsp turmeric
17 1 tsp ground coriander
18 1 tsp paprika
19 1 tsp salt
20 ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
21 14 oz tomato puree
22 ¾ cup water
23 1 cup heavy cream

→ For Serving

24 2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and add to a large bowl. Season with garam masala, garlic powder, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.

Step 02

Heat a large, heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat and add in 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook shrimp in hot oil, until cooked through, and slightly blackened. You may need to cook in batches, as to not overcrowd the pan. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside, keep warm.

Step 03

To the same pan, add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and butter. Cook the onion over medium heat, until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 04

Add in the garlic and ginger, along with the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, paprika, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.

Step 05

Pour in the tomato puree and water and bring the mixture to a simmer for about 3 minutes. Add in the heavy cream and stir until evenly combined, then add in the cooked shrimp and stir to coat.

Step 06

Serve shrimp and sauce with rice and garnish with cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
  2. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level
  3. Best served over basmati rice

Tools You'll Need

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 347
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 19 g