Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk is a rich and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with creamy coconut sauce and aromatic spices. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

Ingredients

• 1.1 pounds shrimp – peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves – minced
• 1 yellow onion – diced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
• Chili flakes for serving
• Freshly cracked black pepper for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Step 2: Mince the garlic cloves, dice the yellow onion, and chop the cilantro. This will make cooking smooth and quick.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and sear them for about 1 minute on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in three-quarters of the coconut milk, stirring to combine. In a small bowl, mix the remaining coconut milk with cornstarch until smooth, then add this mixture back to the skillet.
6. Step 6: Stir in the fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Step 7: Add chopped cilantro and return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp in the sauce and simmer for 1 more minute until heated through.
8. Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra cilantro, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce or omit chili flakes; for more heat, add extra or fresh chopped chili.
• Serve over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious coconut sauce.
• You can substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different twist on the dish.
• Use lime zest along with lime juice for a brighter citrus note.

Storage

Store leftover Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from splitting. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they sear properly and the sauce isn’t watery.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce or prefer a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or tamari instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 69 reviews

This Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe features succulent shrimp seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, lime, and a hint of sweetness. The dish is garnished with fresh cilantro, chili flakes, and cracked black pepper, creating a deliciously aromatic and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1.1 pounds shrimp – peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Cooking Base

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 garlic cloves – minced
• 1 yellow onion – diced

Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) unsweetened coconut milk – full fat
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp lime juice

Garnish

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
• Chili flakes – for serving
• Freshly cracked black pepper – for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated, then set the bowl aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Chop aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves, finely dice the yellow onion, and chop the cilantro. Having these ingredients ready will streamline the cooking process.
3. Sear the shrimp: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear each side for about 1 minute until they develop a light golden crust. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté garlic and onion: Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the same skillet. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
5. Prepare the coconut sauce: Pour ¾ of the full-fat coconut milk into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining coconut milk with cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet to help thicken the sauce. Stir in the fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Add cilantro and shrimp: Stir chopped cilantro into the coconut sauce, then return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp with the sauce, and simmer for an additional minute or until the shrimp are heated through.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice by the teaspoon if desired. Plate the dish and garnish with extra cilantro, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry gradually until desired consistency is reached.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure that the fish sauce used is certified gluten-free.
• Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Garlic shrimp, coconut milk shrimp, creamy shrimp recipe, Southeast Asian shrimp, coconut sauce shrimp, quick shrimp dinner