Shrimp Or Chicken Curry(Microwave)
A quick and flavorful microwave curry featuring tender shrimp or chicken, aromatic spices, and sweet apple chunks, perfect for a hearty, convenient meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 c. cooked, cleaned shrimp or chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1/2 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth or 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange chicken or shrimp in a microwave-safe pan.
- Cover and microwave at 100% power for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Melt butter at 100% power for 1 minute.
- Saute minced onion, chopped celery, and curry powder in melted butter for 2 to 3 minutes at 100% power.
- Blend in flour, salt, sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper.
- Cook at 70% power for 1 minute or until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Stir in chicken broth and milk.
- Microwave at 70% power for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until boiling.
- Add chopped apple and lemon juice.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Microwave at 70% power for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
- Serve over rice with condiments such as chopped tomatoes, raisins, coconut, pineapple chunks, chopped hard cooked eggs, and French fried onion rings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ghee instead of butter. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the shrimp or chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Adjust the curry powder to your taste; a bit more can enhance the dish's warmth. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp works well to cut down on cooking time. Always taste as you go to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
Serving Suggestions
This curry is best served over fluffy rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For added texture and flavor, top with condiments like chopped tomatoes, raisins, or French fried onion rings. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Curry From India for a complete meal, or serve alongside naan or pita bread to soak up the sauce. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the curry thickens too much. For longer storage, consider freezing the curry for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Or Chicken Curry(Microwave) contains roughly 491 calories, with 11g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp or chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp or chicken, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture from affecting the sauce's consistency. Adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary, as frozen proteins may require a bit longer to heat through in the microwave.
What can I substitute for curry powder?
If you don't have curry powder, you can create a substitute by combining turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon. Adjust the ratios based on your taste preferences. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made curry paste for a different flavor profile; just be mindful of the salt content in the paste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the sautéed vegetables. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance. Additionally, incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or a spicy curry powder can elevate the spice level without overpowering the dish's flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).