How to Make Spicy Shrimp and Red Lentils
Spicy shrimp with red lentils is a bold, comforting dish packed with heat, flavor, and nourishing ingredients. Tender shrimp, coated in warming spices, sizzle in the pan, developing a beautiful sear before they’re nestled into a creamy bed of red lentils.
Simmered with aromatics, tomatoes, and a touch of coconut milk, the lentils soak up layers of spice and richness, creating the perfect base for the fiery shrimp.
This dish delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors—plump, juicy shrimp contrast with velvety lentils, while smoky spices and chili heat are softened by the legumes’ natural earthiness. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy and ensuring every bite is infused with deep, complex flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed weeknight meal or a dish to impress with minimal effort, this recipe hits the mark. Serve it with warm flatbread, steamed rice, or a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra burst of brightness.
You’ll taste the perfect harmony of spice, creaminess, and seafood sweetness with every bite. Get ready to turn up the heat and cook up something truly special!
Garam Masala
One of the ingredients in this dish is Garam Masala. You may be familiar with this popular spice from curry dishes. The name means “hot spice” and is a blend of spices, often including cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and cumin, but it varies depending on the region.
Important to note, Garam Masala is added at the last step of cooking or it can turn bitter when cooked too long. And a little goes a long way. This recipe calls for 1½ teaspoons of Garam Masala.
Also, like most spices, they loose flavor and intensity over time. If you are planning on using a container of Garam Masala that’s been in your cabinet for 3 years, you may want to toss it and purchase new jar. Or better yet, how about making your own with spices on hand?
This spicy shrimp recipe has one of those dreaded “meanwhile” instructions. Halfway through the recipe they say “Meanwhile, toss the shrimp with …. Let it stand 10 minutes.”
I’m suggesting you start with the shrimp after prepping all the ingredients so they’re ready to saute while the lentils are cooking.
Spicy Shrimp and Lentils Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large shallot finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger peeled and finely chopped
- 2 plum tomatoes cored and chopped
- 1½ teaspoons Garam Masala
- salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 1½ pounds shrimp peeled and cleaned
- 3 cups baby spinach washed
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut cream
- fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
Instructions
Season the Shrimp
- In a bowl big enough to hold all the shrimp, combine the teaspoon of fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon Garam Masala, a little salt & pepper with the shrimp. Let this all stand for 10 minutes while you start the lentils.
Cook the Lentils
- Start by heating a large saute (frying) pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan.
- When it melts, add the shallot, garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Give it a stir and saute until the shallot starts to become translucent - 2 to 3 minutes.Important: Don't let the garlic burn or it will become bitter. Make sure you watch, stir and lower heat if you think the garlic is starting to burn.
- Add the tomatoes. Season with salt & pepper and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
- Add the lentils, stir to combine with the other ingredients and add 3 cups of water (chicken or fish stock if you want to add even more flavor to this dish). Bring the liquid to a simmer being careful not to let it boil. Cook for about 12 minutes until the lentils start to tender and the mixture starts to thicken up.
- Add ½ teaspoon of the Garam Marsala and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the spinach and coconut cream to the lentils and stir to combine. The spinach will wilt into the lentils. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
To Serve
- Divide the lentil mixture in bowls and transfer the shrimp to each bowl. Top with a little fresh cilantro and serve.
- Enjoy!
