If you are craving a dish that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate, then this Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe is calling your name. Imagine tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious sauce made from rich coconut milk and velvety cream, brightened with fresh lime and just the right hint of spice. This recipe perfectly balances indulgence and freshness, offering a vibrant, comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is pure magic from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors and delightful texture of this dish. You’ll find everything easily accessible, and with fresh herbs and spices, the taste is always vibrant and inviting.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, providing a tender and juicy foundation.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and prevents sticking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Boosts depth and richness in the sauce and for sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): A must-have for aromatic warmth and flavor.
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (canned, full-fat): The creamy base that brings tropical sweetness and smoothness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce for ultimate creaminess and silkiness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens and balances the richness with citrusy zing.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick that complements the coconut perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle heat layer to awaken the palate.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Offers a pop of herbal freshness and color.
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving): The perfect vessel to soak up every drop of creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry to ensure they sear beautifully. Lightly season them with salt and pepper. This simple step makes sure every bite is perfectly seasoned and helps develop that lovely crust when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking and sear them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, sautéing them for about a minute until their fragrance fills your kitchen. These aromatics are the flavor powerhouse of your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Coconut Base
Pour in the canned coconut milk and heavy cream, then stir in lime juice and red pepper flakes if you’d like a touch of spice. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth.
Step 5: Reintroduce the Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, letting them soak up that luscious coconut sauce by simmering together for 2 to 3 minutes. This keeps the shrimp tender and gives them that unbeatable flavor coating.
Step 6: Taste and Finish
Give your creation a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. This final touch ensures that your Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe is perfectly balanced and ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a beautiful herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish visually and flavor-wise. Not only does it give a lovely green contrast, but it also adds a fresh aroma that complements the creamy coconut sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your shrimp over fluffy white rice or healthier cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. The rice acts like a sponge, soaking up all the divine sauce so every mouthful bursts with flavor. Pairing it with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad also complements the richness really well.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, try serving the shrimp family-style in a beautiful shallow serving bowl garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro. You could also present it over coconut-infused jasmine rice and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an extra tropical flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy coconut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will continue to absorb the flavors, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, freezing cooked shrimp in a creamy sauce may alter the texture upon thawing. If you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce together in a freezer-safe container and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid toughening them. Stir frequently until heated through, adding a small splash of coconut milk or cream if the sauce has thickened excessively.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the heavy cream for extra canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the sauce rich and creamy without dairy.
What can I add to make this dish more vegetable-forward?
Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas make fantastic additions to this dish, adding vibrant color and extra nutrition while blending beautifully with the coconut sauce.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can hinder proper searing.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a mild, warming heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering it, but you can always adjust or omit according to your preference.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! The recipe scales up nicely. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even searing and perfect sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the comfort and flair of this Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe to brighten up your mealtime. Its luxurious texture paired with fresh, vibrant flavors will make it a new favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and loved ones to a dish that tastes like a tropical getaway in every delicious bite.
Print
Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Coconut Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich and velvety sauce made with coconut milk, heavy cream, fresh ginger, and lime juice, infused with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes. It’s a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, served over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (canned, full-fat)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season them lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk, heavy cream, lime juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a creamy texture.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and simmer them in the sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow the shrimp to be fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to balance the flavors according to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy coconut shrimp hot over cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with additional coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- You can add sautéed bell peppers or fresh spinach to the dish for extra vegetables and added nutrition.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit them completely if you prefer a milder flavor.
- This recipe pairs well with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
