1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creamy Garlic Coconut Shrimp

Quick Garlic Coconut Shrimp Dinner

Featured in Fast and Flavorful Meals.

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk transforms simple ingredients into an impressive 20-minute meal. The recipe starts with perfectly seasoned shrimp quickly seared until just pink, then simmered in a velvety coconut milk sauce. The sauce combines aromatic garlic, sweet honey, tangy lime juice, and savory fish sauce for a balanced flavor profile. Fresh cilantro and a touch of chili add the finishing touches to this light yet satisfying dish. It's an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick but don't want to compromise on flavor.
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:44:13 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Tender garlic shrimp cooked in creamy coconut milk for a rich and flavorful dish. Pin it
Tender garlic shrimp cooked in creamy coconut milk for a rich and flavorful dish. | tasteofcook.com

This luxurious seafood dish combines succulent shrimp with a velvety coconut milk sauce, perfectly balanced with zesty lime and aromatic garlic. The entire meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining.

During my years as a private chef, this dish became my go-to for impressing clients. The secret lies in properly searing the shrimp to develop a golden crust while keeping the interior tender.

Essential Ingredients Selection Tips

  • Shrimp: Choose large (16-20 count) wild-caught shrimp.
  • Coconut milk: Full-fat, without guar gum for best texture.
  • Fish sauce: Look for premium brands like Red Boat.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves only, never pre-minced.
  • Lime: Fresh-squeezed, avoid bottled juice.
  • Honey: Raw honey provides complex sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shrimp Preparation:
Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents proper searing and dilutes seasoning. Season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating.
Pan Selection and Heating:
Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan. Heat until a drop of water dances across the surface. Add equal parts butter and oil - the combination provides flavor while preventing butter from burning.
Initial Sear Process:
Place shrimp carefully in hot pan, avoiding overcrowding. Work in batches if necessary. Sear exactly 2 minutes per side until golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
Sauce Development:
In same pan, sauté fresh garlic and onion until translucent. Deglaze with coconut milk, scraping up browned bits. Add lime juice, fish sauce, and honey. Simmer until slightly reduced.
Sauce Finishing:
Whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add to simmering sauce gradually, stirring constantly until desired thickness. Return shrimp to pan, coating evenly. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Coconut milk garlic shrimp with a silky sauce and a hint of tropical flavor. Pin it
Coconut milk garlic shrimp with a silky sauce and a hint of tropical flavor. | tasteofcook.com

Living near the coast taught me that fresh seafood needs minimal cooking. The sweetness of properly cooked shrimp paired with coconut reminds me of seaside dinners in Thailand.

Serving Variations

Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice soaks up sauce perfectly.
Noodles: Rice noodles or udon complement the coconut base.
Vegetables: Add quick-cooking greens in final minutes.

Temperature Control

Maintain medium heat throughout cooking. High heat can break the sauce, while too low won't develop proper flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers separately from rice/noodles. Reheat gently to prevent sauce separation and tough shrimp.

Juicy shrimp simmered in garlic and coconut milk for a creamy, savory meal. Pin it
Juicy shrimp simmered in garlic and coconut milk for a creamy, savory meal. | tasteofcook.com

After perfecting this recipe in professional kitchens, I've found the key lies in timing and temperature control. The combination of creamy coconut, tender shrimp, and bright lime creates a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp work just as well as fresh ones.
→ What can I substitute for fish sauce?
You can use soy sauce or coconut aminos, though the flavor will be slightly different. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
→ What's the best way to serve this dish?
Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
→ Why does the recipe use full-fat coconut milk?
Full-fat coconut milk creates a richer, creamier sauce. Light coconut milk can make the sauce too thin and less flavorful.
→ How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose 'C' shape. If they curl too tightly into an 'O', they're overcooked.

Creamy Garlic Coconut Shrimp

Tender shrimp simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with garlic, lime, and honey - ready in just 20 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Quick Meal Ideas

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp Seasoning

01 1.1 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1 teaspoon black pepper
04 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Sauce Base

06 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
08 4 garlic cloves, minced
09 1 small brown onion, finely chopped
10 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) full fat coconut milk
11 2 teaspoons cornstarch

→ Seasonings & Garnish

12 2 tablespoons fish sauce
13 1 teaspoon honey
14 2 tablespoons lime juice
15 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
16 Chili flakes for serving
17 Freshly cracked black pepper for serving

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, mix shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well coated. Set aside while you prep other ingredients.

Step 02

Mince the garlic cloves, finely chop the brown onion, and prepare the chopped cilantro.

Step 03

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat. Place shrimp in a single layer and sear quickly for just 1 minute on each side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 04

Lower heat, sauté garlic and onion until soft. Add most of the coconut milk. Mix remaining coconut milk with cornstarch and add to pan. Stir in fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Let simmer 2 minutes to thicken.

Step 05

Add cilantro and return shrimp to pan. Toss everything together and cook 1 minute until heated through. Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or lime juice if needed. Garnish with extra cilantro, chili flakes, and black pepper.

Notes

  1. Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce
  2. Don't overcook the shrimp - they only need about 1 minute per side
  3. Adjust fish sauce and lime juice to taste at the end

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains fish (fish sauce)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 184
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 26 g