Easy Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe for Tasty Dinners

Garlic shrimp in coconut milk reimagines ordinary seafood into a luxurious culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds with its creamy, aromatic essence.

Tropical ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that whispers of distant shores and vibrant coastal kitchens.

Delicate shellfish absorb rich, velvety coconut milk, infusing each bite with layers of complex flavor profiles.

Fragrant garlic adds a warm, robust undertone that complements the subtle sweetness of the sauce.

Home cooks can easily elevate their meal with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that requires minimal preparation.

Sophisticated palates will appreciate the harmonious balance of textures and subtle spice notes dancing across the plate.

Culinary adventurers seeking a quick and impressive dinner solution will fall in love with this sensational seafood creation.

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk That’s Creamy and Bold

• Savor Flavor-Packed Elegance: This garlic shrimp dish delivers an incredible burst of complex flavors, blending zesty garlic, sweet coconut milk, and tangy lime juice into one harmonious seafood experience.
• Quick Gourmet Magic: The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want impressive results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Sensation Symphony: Enjoy perfectly seared shrimp with a silky, luxurious coconut milk sauce that creates an irresistible combination of crisp exterior and creamy, tender interior textures.
• Globally Inspired Comfort: This dish beautifully merges Southeast Asian cooking techniques with familiar ingredients, offering an exciting culinary journey that feels both exotic and comfortingly delicious.

Gather These Ingredients for Coconut Shrimp Delight

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that absorbs flavors beautifully, best when fresh and deveined.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Classic spice blend that enhances shrimp's natural flavor and creates a light, aromatic coating.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational ingredients that provide depth and fragrant base for the sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, citrusy notes and vibrant color to the dish.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that creates rich, smooth sauce with tropical undertones.
• Fish Sauce: Provides umami depth and complex saltiness to the sauce.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps balance the savory elements.
• Lime Juice: Brings fresh acidity and helps brighten the entire dish.

• Butter, Oil: Combination provides rich flavor and helps with even cooking and browning.

• Cornstarch: Helps create silky, smooth sauce with perfect consistency.

• Chili Flakes, Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds optional heat and extra layer of flavor for serving.

How to Cook Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Step 1: Marinate Shrimp

• Gather shrimp in a mixing bowl
• Sprinkle with
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Gently toss until shrimp are evenly coated. Let sit while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Chop Flavor Boosters

• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (chopped)
• Cilantro (chopped)

Step 3: Sizzle and Sear Shrimp

Heat skillet with butter and oil over high temperature. Arrange shrimp in single layer, cooking one minute per side until golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Base

Lower skillet heat. Add minced garlic and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

• Pour most of coconut milk into skillet
• Whisk remaining coconut milk with cornstarch
• Blend cornstarch mixture into skillet
• Stir in
• Fish sauce
• Honey
• Lime juice

Simmer gently for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

• Mix in chopped cilantro
• Return shrimp to skillet
• Toss everything together
• Warm for additional minute

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

• Taste and adjust seasoning
• Sprinkle with extra cilantro
• Add chili flakes
• Crack fresh black pepper

Serve immediately with love and tropical flair!

Tips for Sauce Consistency and Shrimp Texture

• Select Shrimp Carefully: Choose fresh, deveined shrimp with a sweet, ocean-like smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Sear with Precision: Create a golden crust by ensuring the skillet is smoking hot and avoiding overcrowding during searing.
• Control Coconut Milk Thickness: Mix cornstarch with cold coconut milk to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth sauce.
• Balance Flavor Layers: Add fish sauce and honey gradually, tasting as you go to create a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
• Rest Shrimp Briefly: Let seared shrimp sit for a moment to retain moisture and prevent rubbery texture when returning to the sauce.

Keeping and Reheating Coconut Shrimp the Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled shrimp and sauce to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of coconut milk to maintain sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Avoid Freezing: Shrimp and coconut milk sauce tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, so it's best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Pairing Tips for Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the coconut milk's richness and balance the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Serve the garlic shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the creamy coconut sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast.
• Create a Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a light green papaya salad with lime dressing to cut through the dish's richness and add a zesty, refreshing element to the meal.
• Enhance with Crisp Asian Slaw: Whip up a quick Asian-inspired slaw with julienned vegetables and a tangy rice vinegar dressing to provide a crunchy, bright accompaniment that complements the coconut shrimp's creamy profile.

Swaps and Variations to Try with Coconut Shrimp

• Spicy Coconut Shrimp Extravaganza: Replace honey with sriracha sauce and add red chili peppers for an intense heat kick that transforms the original recipe into a fiery seafood experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap cilantro for fresh basil and oregano, and introduce crumbled feta cheese as a final garnish to give the dish a Greek-inspired Mediterranean profile.
• Tropical Pineapple Infusion: Incorporate diced fresh pineapple chunks during the sauce simmer stage, which adds natural sweetness and creates a vibrant Caribbean-style flavor combination with the coconut milk.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Remix: Blend Cajun seasoning into the initial shrimp coating, use andouille sausage alongside shrimp, and finish with green onions for a bold New Orleans-inspired interpretation of the original recipe.

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic shrimp in coconut milk whisks diners straight to tropical coastlines with its creamy, aromatic embrace. Succulent shrimp swim in a luscious sauce, promising bold flavors that transport you to seaside culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.1 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
• Chili flakes, for serving
• Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

Cooking Fats:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the seasoned shrimp rest while preparing other ingredients.
2. Finely mince garlic, dice onions, and chop fresh cilantro to create a flavor foundation for the dish.
3. Place a large skillet over high heat and add butter and oil. Create a single layer of shrimp and quickly sear for approximately 60 seconds on each side until golden. Transfer seared shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Reduce skillet temperature to low and introduce minced garlic and diced onions. Gently sauté until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
5. Pour most of the coconut milk into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk remaining coconut milk with cornstarch in a separate bowl, then incorporate into the skillet.
6. Enhance the sauce with fish sauce, honey, and fresh lime juice. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
7. Fold in chopped cilantro and return seared shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss to ensure even coating and reheat the shrimp.
8. Taste and refine the sauce’s seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice. Garnish with extra cilantro, chili flakes, and cracked black pepper.
9. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and fragrant.

Notes

• Prep shrimp with spices ahead of time to infuse deep, rich flavors before cooking.
• Sear shrimp quickly over high heat to lock in moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
• Create silky sauce by whisking cornstarch with coconut milk to ensure smooth, no-lump consistency.
• Balance sweet, tangy, and savory elements through strategic additions of honey, lime juice, and fish sauce.
• Allow shrimp to simmer briefly in final sauce to absorb maximum flavor without overcooking.
• Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and chili flakes for vibrant color and zesty kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg