---
title: "Meatless Friday: Shrimp Masala"
description: Catholic Foodie Jeff Young's Shrimp Masala recipe is a creative fusion of Cajun and Indian influences. Use fresh tomatoes and herbs from your garden in this dish!
---

[![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/)

[![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber)

[![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/05/22/meatless-friday-shrimp-masala#)

# Meatless Friday: Shrimp Masala

May 22, 2015 11:00:09 AM  |  by [Jeff Young](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/jyoung)

![meatless_friday_new_logo_2015](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/meatless_friday_new_logo_2015-23.jpg?width=720&height=340&name=meatless_friday_new_logo_2015-23.jpg)

[![Shrimp Masala Recipe](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Shrimp-Masala-Recipe-267x400.png?width=267&height=400&name=Shrimp-Masala-Recipe-267x400.png)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Shrimp-Masala-Recipe.png)

### Shrimp Masala: A Delicious Experiment in Cajun-Indian Fusion

OK. I’m gonna say it… This dish is INSANE.

So insane that I made it two weeks in a row.

I just couldn’t help myself.

Masala is a combination of dry and roasted spices, typical in Indian and Pakistani cuisines, and they are used to add spice and flavor.

I call this a Cajun-Indian fusion because I used fresh Gulf shrimp and lots of cayenne (and crushed red pepper flakes!).

And, of course, this Shrimp Masala was served over a bed of Louisiana Jasmine rice.

This recipe is a keeper.

If you try it, you just gotta let me know!

**Like Indian cuisine? Like Cajun cuisine? What's your favorite dish? Tell me all about it in the comments below!**

## SHRIMP MASALA

### **INGREDIENTS**

- 2 teaspoons [hot Curry powder](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PFC1A6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PFC1A6&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20)
- 1 teaspoon [Turmeric](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N8N7K4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000N8N7K4&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20)
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon [Cayenne](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UCUGZQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006UCUGZQ&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon [Cumin](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003T07T3O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003T07T3O&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20)
- 1 teaspoon [ground Coriander](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N4YJQY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000N4YJQY&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh grated Ginger, to taste
- 2 large sweet yellow onions
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed (we use a [mortar and pestle](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BU5KHC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BU5KHC&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20) for this)
- 4 tablespoons of [organic coconut oil](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QDRJXY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003QDRJXY&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20)
- 5 ripe homegrown tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt (or labneh)
- 13 1/2 oz can of [unsweetened organic coconut milk](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UXY2EC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UXY2EC&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20)
- [Sriracha sauce](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LO40AG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000LO40AG&linkCode=as2&tag=holfaminsblo-20), to taste
- 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
- 1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 4 lbs of head-on shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Limes (at least 2 or 3)
- Basmati (or other preferred) rice
- Salt & pepper, to taste

**INSTRUCTIONS**

*FOR THE MASALA SAUCE:*

1. Saute the onions in 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil over medium heat until translucent (about 20 minutes).
2. Add the garlic, curry, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne, red pepper flakes, fresh ginger and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and salt & pepper (to taste) and cook down for 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 cup of whole-milk yogurt (or labneh) and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Puree with an immersion blender.
7. Add salt & pepper to taste.

*FOR THE SHRIMP:*

1. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Stir as needed. Shrimp will begin to turn pink.
2. Stir in coconut milk, the juice of one lime, and about a tablespoon each of green onions, cilantro, and parsley.
3. Allow to simmer for another 2 minutes.
4. Combine the shrimp and the masala sauce in a large pot.
5. Reduce heat and serve over steamed Basmati rice. Garnish with cilantro and parsley. Provide lime wedges and Sriracha sauce to add an extra kick.

**NOTES**

You can make the masala sauce a day in advance. Doing so actually enhances the flavor.

*Copyright 2015 Jeff Young.*  
*Photo copyright 2015 Jeff Young. All rights reserved.*

**Find more of Jeff's recipes at [CatholicFoodie.com](http://catholicfoodie.com/)!**

### Share this article

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2015%2F05%2F22%2Fmeatless-friday-shrimp-masala%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2015%2F05%2F22%2Fmeatless-friday-shrimp-masala%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2015%2F05%2F22%2Fmeatless-friday-shrimp-masala%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Meatless%20Friday%3A%20Shrimp%20Masala) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2015%2F05%2F22%2Fmeatless-friday-shrimp-masala%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2015%2F05%2F22%2Fmeatless-friday-shrimp-masala%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) 

**

#### About the Author

![CatholicMom Logo](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/favicon-catholicmom.png)

### [Jeff Young](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/jyoung)

## Related Blog Articles

[

 Meatless Friday: Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

Read

](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/08/28/meatless-friday-shrimp-and-okra-gumbo)

[

 Meatless Friday Radio Feature with the Catholic Foodie

Read

](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/07/10/meatless-friday-radio-feature-with-the-catholic-foodie)

[

 Make a Once in a Lifetime Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the Catholic Foodie

Read

](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2013/10/07/make-a-once-in-a-lifetime-pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-with-the-catholic-foodie)

## Comments

## Donate now

[![Support Catholic Mom](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545)

[![CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)")](https://www.catholicmom.com/)

##### Subscribe to Catholic Momcast on iTunes or Spotify

[![itunes-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/itunes-logo-black.svg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-momcast/id1362352357)[![spotify-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/spotify-logo-black.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/show/15CoipHL7z61IDcYErV0b8?si=hqaQJSxDQgq7S1hxCwsoxQ)

##### CatholicMom on Social Networks

[![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber)

##### About Catholic Mom

[Who We Are](https://www.catholicmom.com/about-us)

[Contact Us](https://www.catholicmom.com/contact)

[Support CatholicMom.com](https://www.catholicmom.com/support-us)

 

##### Associated Links

[Holy Cross Family Ministries](https://www.hcfm.org/)

[Family Rosary](https://www.familyrosary.org/)

[Family Theater Productions](https://www.familytheater.org/)

[Congregation of the Holy Cross](https://www.holycrossusa.org/)

[Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.](https://www.fatherpeyton.org/)

<https://www.avemariapress.com/series/20/CatholicMomcom-Books/>[The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life](https://www.peytonfamilyinstitute.org/)

### **Stay connected!** Don’t miss a thing! Sign up to receive our free daily digest email.

Copyright © 2026 CatholicMom.com. All Rights Reserved.