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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Coat shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, allowing flavors to penetrate while preparing remaining ingredients.
- Flavor Base Development: Mince garlic, dice onions, and chop cilantro to establish a robust aromatic foundation for the dish.
- 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.
- Vegetable Infusion: Reduce heat and sauté garlic and onions until they become translucent, releasing their delicate fragrance and building depth of flavor.
- Sauce Creation: Introduce coconut milk to the skillet, whisking cornstarch-milk mixture to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that will gently thicken the sauce.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate fish sauce, honey, and lime juice, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop a complex, balanced profile.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet, gently folding in cilantro and ensuring each piece is generously coated with the luxurious coconut sauce.
- 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.
- 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