Easy Thai Green Coconut Curry with Scallops is the perfect I-want-to-impress-you meal. Don’t get me wrong, it comes together quickly and is very easy to make. But it’s also pretty darn impressive. Not sure it gets much better.

Photograph of a bowl filled with green coconut curry, black rice, broccolini and golden scallops set on a marble table with a gray napkin.

Plus, there are quick a few components that can be made ahead, which means you can get this dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes easily! Grab a grocery list, make-ahead tips and menu plan!

The Thai green coconut curry sauce get’s it’ ultra-creamy texture from canned coconut milk. I use full-fat in this sauce because it creates a more silky-smooth sauce. However, if you’re looking to cut back on fat, go right ahead and use light canned coconut milk bearing in mind that the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy.

Learn how to sear scallops!

Photograph of a bowl filled with green coconut curry, black rice, broccolini and golden scallops set on a marble table with a gray napkin.What’s in green curry paste?

Green curry paste is most often made with coriander, cumin, white peppercorns, green Thai chiles, shallots, cilantro, ginger, cilantro, turmeric root, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, salt and sometimes shrimp paste.

Is green curry gluten-free?

Yes! Green curry is gluten-free. But with any packaged food product, it’s important to read package labeling and ingredient list if it is a life-threatening allergy. My favorite green curry product is this one by Thai Kitchen.

Can you freeze curry paste?

Yes you can freeze curry paste. The best and most efficient way to do this is to scoop any remaining curry paste into the wells of an ice cube tray. Transfer the tray to the freezer and freeze until solid. Once the curry cubes are solid, pop them out and transfer to a zipper-lock bag; store in the freezer and use as needed.

  • Frozen curry should last up to 6 months.
  • Homemade curry paste will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
  • Store-bought curry will last up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Is this Thai Green Coconut Curry vegan?

This green curry sauce recipe is not vegan. However, it can modified to be! In fact, the Thai Kitchen green curry that I recommend is vegan, which means this recipe can very easily be made vegan.

Here’s How to Make This Thai Green Curry Vegan

  • Skip the scallops and instead use seared tempeh.
  • Skip adding the fish sauce to the green curry sauce and instead add a tablespoon of liquid aminos.

Photograph of a bowl filled with green coconut curry, black rice, broccolini and golden scallops set on a marble table with a gray napkin.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Photograph of a bowl filled with green coconut curry, black rice, broccolini and golden scallops set on a marble table with a gray napkin.

Thai Green Coconut Curry with Seared Scallops & Broccolini

  • Author: Lauren Grant of Zestful Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (1¾ cup curry sauce) 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Thai

Description

Chewy black rice is the base for crisp-tender broccolini, silky and creamy Thai green coconut curry and perfectly seared scallops. Ready in 40 minutes, this is an easy meal that’s sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry black rice

Green Coconut Curry Sauce:

  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil, divided
  • ¾ cup finely chopped white onion
  • ½ Serrano (or jalapeno), minced  
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoons green curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk (14.5 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 12 ounces broccolini (¾ pound)

Pan-Seared Scallops:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound scallops, patted dry (about 12 scallops)

To Serve:

  • Chopped fresh Cilantro, basil and scallions to serve
  • Like wedges to serve

Instructions

Cook rice according to package directions.

Green Coconut Curry Sauce:

Heat 2 teaspoons coconut oil over medium-high in a sauté pan, add onion, serrano and ginger and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in curry paste and garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce and honey; bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened and flavors have melded, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in broccolini, cover and cook until tender, 8–10 minutes.

Pan-Seared Scallops:

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat until just smoking.

Add half of the scallops and cook, without moving, until browned and naturally release, 1½–2 minutes, flip and cook until browned and naturally release, about another 1½ minutes; transfer scallops to a plate. Repeat process with remaining tablespoon vegetable oil and scallops.

To Serve:

Divide rice, curry mixture and scallops between 4 serving bowls. Sprinkle with cilantro, basil and scallions. Serve with lime.


Notes

Make it vegan:

Skip the scallops altogether or top with seared tempeh. Edamame would also be a great addition to the sauce for an added boost of protein.

Skip the fish sauce and add a tablespoon of liquid aminos.

Equipment you’ll need:

  • Skillet
  • Sauté pan

Nutrition

  • Calories: 393
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1366mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 37mg

Keywords: Green Curry Sauce, Thai Green Curry, Gluten-Free Thai Curry

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Yum

More Spring Fish & Seafood Recipes!

Seared salmon on white plates with green sauce and grain salad, set on a gray background.Pan Seared Salmon with Leek Purée

 

Overhead photo of a white plate with greens, smoked trout, and chive blossoms. Set on a wood tableSmoked Trout Salad

 

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce | from Lauren Grant of Zestful KitchenVietnamese Spring Rolls with Spicy Almond Butter Dipping Sauce

Share it with the world

Pin

About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

Learn More

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star