Zesty Garlic Shrimp Simmered in Coconut Milk Recipe

Simmering gently in a rich, creamy coconut milk bath, this garlic shrimp recipe promises an explosion of tropical flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent shrimp nestle perfectly in a fragrant sauce that whispers of exotic cuisines and culinary adventures.

The marriage of garlic bold punch and coconut milk silky smoothness creates a harmony that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Each bite delivers a delicate balance of aromatic spices and tender seafood.

Quick to prepare and bursting with complexity, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll love how easily these ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular.

Dive into this culinary journey and let your kitchen become a gateway to an unforgettable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used in Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

• Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined shrimp for quick cooking and tender texture; wild-caught varieties offer richer ocean flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Create a robust flavor foundation; use freshly ground spices for maximum taste intensity.

• Garlic, Onion, Cilantro: Essential for building complex flavor layers; choose firm garlic and crisp cilantro for maximum freshness.

• Coconut Milk: Provides creamy richness and tropical undertone; full-fat versions deliver deeper flavor profile.
• Fish Sauce: Adds umami depth and authentic Southeast Asian character; look for brands with minimal additives.

• Honey: Balances sauce with subtle sweetness; raw or local honey offers more nuanced flavor.
• Lime Juice: Introduces bright, zesty notes; fresh-squeezed juice trumps bottled versions.

• Butter, Oil: Create perfect searing environment and prevent sticking; use neutral oil with high smoke point.

• Chili Flakes: Provides optional heat and visual appeal; adjust quantity based on spice preference.

Tools Required for Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

• Large skillet: Essential for searing shrimp and creating the sauce.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and cilantro.
• Chef's knife: Sharp and reliable for precise ingredient preparation.
• Mixing bowls: Great for marinating shrimp and mixing cornstarch slurry.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring and tossing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate for adding spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Useful for measuring coconut milk precisely.

Instructions for Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

• Shrimp Seasoning

Blend salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder with shrimp in a mixing container. Let flavors mingle while preparing other ingredients.

• Aromatic Foundation

Finely chop garlic, onion, and cilantro to create a flavor base that will elevate the entire dish.

• Protein Caramelization

Heat butter and oil in a large skillet. Sear shrimp quickly on both sides to develop a golden crust, then set aside for later.

• Flavor Development

Reduce skillet heat and soften onions and garlic until they release their fragrant essence, creating a rich aromatic foundation.

• Creamy Coconut Sauce

Create a silky sauce by combining coconut milk, cornstarch, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Allow mixture to gently simmer and thicken.

• Final Fusion

Return shrimp to the skillet, fold into the creamy sauce, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Warm everything together until perfectly heated.

• Presentation

Garnish with additional cilantro, chili flakes, and black pepper. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk – Flavor Boosting Tips

• Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or white fish for a versatile coconut milk sauce that works with multiple proteins.
• Toast whole spices like cumin or coriander seeds before adding to the sauce to develop deeper, more robust flavors.
• Prepare the sauce base in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, adding fresh shrimp just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like Thai basil or lemongrass to give the dish an authentic Southeast Asian profile.

Serve Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Like a Pro

• Tropical Beach Lunch Companion: Pair this zesty shrimp dish with steamed jasmine rice for a perfect island-inspired meal that transports your taste buds to a sunny coastline.
• Coconut Curry Twist: Transform the dish into a rich curry by adding red curry paste and extra coconut milk, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile that tingles your senses.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Complement the creamy shrimp with a crisp green salad featuring mixed herbs, cucumber slices, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich coconut sauce.
• Appetizer Party Presentation: Serve the shrimp in small individual appetizer cups or on cocktail skewers for an elegant party starter that will impress your guests with its vibrant colors and aromatic profile.

Keep Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Fresh

• Refrigerator Lifeline: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer Strategy: Cool the shrimp completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Prepare the shrimp and sauce components separately during weekend cooking sessions. Store protein and sauce in different containers, allowing quick assembly of fresh meals during busy weeknights.

Silky Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic shrimp in coconut milk showcases South American coastal flavors with delicate seafood and rich aromatics. Succulent prawns swim in a luscious sauce that will transport diners straight to tropical kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.1 lbs/500 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 small brown onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps fish sauce
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tsps cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp honey
• Chili flakes, for serving
• Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Coat shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, allowing flavors to penetrate while preparing remaining ingredients.
2. Flavor Base Development: Mince garlic, dice onions, and chop cilantro to establish a robust aromatic foundation for the dish.
3. Shrimp Searing: Heat skillet with butter and oil, creating a golden crust on shrimp by quickly searing each side until perfectly caramelized, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Vegetable Infusion: Reduce heat and sauté garlic and onions until they become translucent, releasing their delicate fragrance and building depth of flavor.
5. Sauce Creation: Introduce coconut milk to the skillet, whisking cornstarch-milk mixture to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that will gently thicken the sauce.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate fish sauce, honey, and lime juice, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop a complex, balanced profile.
7. Final Assembly: Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet, gently folding in cilantro and ensuring each piece is generously coated with the luxurious coconut sauce.
8. Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice, then garnish with extra cilantro, chili flakes, and cracked black pepper for a vibrant presentation.
9. Serving: Present immediately while the dish remains piping hot, showcasing its aromatic and flavor-packed character.

Notes

• Maximize Shrimp Flavor: Marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes to allow seasonings to penetrate deeply and enhance overall taste profile.
• Searing Technique: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust on shrimp without steaming.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Herb Freshness Tip: Add cilantro at the very end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and maximize its aromatic essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg