Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Coconut Garlic Shrimp recipe is your answer. It delivers succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, creamy, and fragrant garlic-coconut sauce that is simply irresistible. This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making it an instant family favorite and a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. Forget takeout; this is the easy, flavorful escape your dinner routine needs.
Why This Coconut Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its simplicity and depth of flavor. We use full-fat coconut milk to create a luxuriously creamy sauce without any heavy cream. The garlic provides a savory, aromatic base that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp and coconut perfectly. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s a versatile dish that feels indulgent enough for guests but is quick enough for a Tuesday night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Shrimp: One pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen; just make sure frozen shrimp is fully thawed.
- Coconut Milk: One can of full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk is essential for that rich and creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are non-negotiable for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for sautéing that adds richness.
- Onion: Finely chopped to build the flavor base.
- Lime Juice: A splash of fresh lime juice at the end brightens everything up.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish, adding a touch of freshness.
How to Make Coconut Garlic Shrimp (Step-by-Step)
Making this creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook! Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Create the Sauce: Pour the coconut milk into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped parsley. Let it all heat through for about a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Shrimp
To ensure your Coconut Garlic Shrimp is flawless, keep these expert tips in mind.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. The moment they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they’re done. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the creamiest, richest sauce, you must use canned, full-fat coconut milk. Light coconut milk or coconut milk from a carton will result in a thin, watery sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and fresh lime juice make a world of difference in the final flavor of the dish. Avoid bottled substitutes if possible.
What to Serve with Coconut Garlic Shrimp
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, it’s fantastic with cauliflower rice or zoodles. It also pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Healthy Sautéed Vegetables or some warm, crusty Butter Swim Biscuits to mop up the sauce.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can easily overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.
More Delicious Dinner Ideas
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy exploring other flavorful dishes. For another fantastic seafood dinner, try this Easy Baked Cajun Salmon. Or, for a comforting and hearty meal, this Creamy Dijon Pork Tenderloin (coming soon) is always a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly well for this recipe. Just make sure they are completely thawed before you start cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes.
The full-fat coconut milk should create a naturally creamy sauce as it simmers. If you’d like it even thicker, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the shrimp back in. Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to create a slurry and whisk it into the sauce, letting it bubble for a minute to thicken.
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 1-2 minutes per side. You’ll know they are done when they turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape. An overcooked shrimp will be tough and have a tight ‘O’ shape.
You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of curry powder or a finely chopped chili pepper along with the garlic.
For the richest and creamiest sauce, you should always use full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk from a can. Light coconut milk or coconut milk from a carton will result in a much thinner sauce and less flavor.
A Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This Coconut Garlic Shrimp recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s fast, incredibly flavorful, and uses simple ingredients to create a meal that feels truly special. We hope you love making it as much as we do. If you try it, please leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest!
Coconut Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Coconut Garlic Shrimp (The Creamiest, Easiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour the coconut milk into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped parsley. Heat through for about one minute. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk: This is essential for a thick, creamy sauce. Light coconut milk will be too thin.
Serving Suggestion: This dish is best served immediately over jasmine rice, noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
