Creamy Coconut Shrimp is a delightful dish that blends the sweetness of coconut with the tenderness of shrimp. With a rich coconut milk base, Creamy Coconut Shrimp is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and lightly spicy flavors. The tender shrimp, cooked to perfection in this sauce, make for a quick yet indulgent meal. Whether you’re craving tropical flavors or looking for an easy dinner option, Creamy Coconut Shrimp will transport your taste buds to a warm, exotic destination in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and results in a luscious, creamy dish that’s both light and flavorful. The coconut milk adds richness without being too heavy, while the shrimp cook up tender and juicy. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the spice level and serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. The combination of garlic, ginger, and coconut milk gives this dish a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined.
- Coconut milk: 1 cup, full-fat for a rich sauce.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (adjust for heat).
- Lime juice: From 1 lime, for freshness.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Shrimp:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Coconut Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the garlic and ginger. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return Shrimp and Add Lime: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir until everything is well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Tips:
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a creamier sauce, opt for full-fat coconut milk. Lite versions may result in a thinner sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
Helpful Tips:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas to add extra nutrition and texture to the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh, as the shrimp can overcook when reheated.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Notes:
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp if you prefer a different protein.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it more or less spicy based on your preference.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the sauce can be made ahead, it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh to avoid overcooking them during reheating.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
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Conclusion:
Creamy Coconut Shrimp is a deliciously simple dish that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a special occasion, the combination of creamy coconut milk and tender shrimp will make this meal a favorite in your household. Serve it with rice or noodles, and enjoy the rich, exotic flavors in every bite!
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Creamy Coconut Shrimp
Description
Creamy Coconut Shrimp is a delightful dish that blends the sweetness of coconut with the tenderness of shrimp. With a rich coconut milk base, Creamy Coconut Shrimp is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and lightly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined.
- Coconut milk: 1 cup, full-fat for a rich sauce.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (adjust for heat).
- Lime juice: From 1 lime, for freshness.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Coconut Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the garlic and ginger. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return Shrimp and Add Lime: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir until everything is well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp if you prefer a different protein.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it more or less spicy based on your preference.