Get ready to fall in love with the most delicious coconut garlic shrimp you’ve ever tasted. This recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible meal in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something special without the fuss. The rich coconut milk, infused with fragrant garlic and a hint of lime, creates a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the pan clean.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting, this coconut garlic shrimp is practically foolproof. We’re talking succulent shrimp swimming in a luxurious sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice or pasta. Let’s dive in and make a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, making it a true weeknight winner.
- Packed with Flavor: A perfect balance of creamy, savory, and zesty notes that will delight your taste buds.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples you might already have on hand.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, quinoa, or with a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Coconut Garlic Shrimp
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy delight.
For the Shrimp:
- Large Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture. Tail-on or tail-off is your choice!
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of these two fats provides the best flavor for sautéing the aromatics and searing the shrimp.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for a deep, aromatic flavor base.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a layer of savory sweetness to the sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the shrimp and enhance all the other flavors.
For the Creamy Coconut Sauce:
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is the star of the show! Use canned, full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, richest sauce. Light coconut milk will result in a thinner sauce.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice cuts through the richness of the coconut milk and brightens the entire dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle hint of warmth. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Chopped fresh herbs add a final touch of freshness and color.
How to Make Coconut Garlic Shrimp Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal in minutes.
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high 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 seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: Pour the coconut milk into the same skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where the flavor is!). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the fresh lime juice into the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy coconut sauce. Let everything warm through for about a minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve your delicious coconut garlic shrimp immediately.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. The moment they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the ultimate creamy sauce, you must use full-fat coconut milk from a can. Shake the can well before opening.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Removing excess moisture from the shrimp ensures they sear beautifully rather than steam in the pan.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and lime juice for the most vibrant flavor. The bottled stuff just doesn’t compare! If you love garlic, feel free to try this with our favorite roasted garlic method.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this coconut garlic shrimp recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for other flavors. For a different but equally delicious meal, try our Southern shrimp and grits.
- Add Veggies: Sauté some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onions for a one-pan meal.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Ginger Infusion: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for another layer of aromatic flavor.
- Add some Cajun flavor: Looking for a spicier, more savory shrimp dish? Try our amazing Cajun seasoning on this shrimp!
What to Serve with Coconut Garlic Shrimp
This creamy shrimp dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. The most popular choice is fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce. You can also serve it over quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a heartier meal, toss it with your favorite pasta, like linguine or fettuccine.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover coconut garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This recipe is easy to customize. To increase the heat, simply add more red pepper flakes along with the garlic. You can also add a finely minced jalapeño or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before you start. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Most importantly, pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 1-2 minutes per side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a ‘C’ shape. If they curl into a tight ‘O’, they are likely overcooked.
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley is the best substitute and is included as an option in the recipe. It provides a similar freshness and vibrant green color.
For the richest and creamiest sauce, you must 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 a less satisfying flavor.
Pin This Recipe!
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later! Pin the image below to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest so you can always find it.
Coconut Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Coconut Garlic Shrimp (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high 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 seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour the coconut milk into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir the fresh lime juice into the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything warm through for about a minute.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp; cook in two batches if needed to ensure they get a nice sear.
Tip 3: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your personal spice preference.
