Description
This creamy coconut shrimp recipe is a quick, vibrant, and satisfying meal perfect for busy families. It features a luscious velvet coconut coral sauce, making it a flavorful and comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) medium-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can (13.5 oz or 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, grated
- 1.5 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1.5 Tbsp red curry paste (or chili flakes)
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 0.25 tsp cumin
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 1–2 Tbsp water or broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Have all shrimp, minced garlic, grated ginger, and measured liquids ready to go. This mise en place ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 Tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil) in a large 10-inch skillet or wok over medium heat until shimmering. Gently cook the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn them.
- Build the Velvet Coconut Coral Sauce: Stir in curry paste (or chili flakes), turmeric, and cumin for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in coconut milk and lime juice. Gently simmer, stirring, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats a spoon. (If sauce is too thick, thin with 1-2 Tbsp water or broth.)
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the simmering sauce, ensuring even distribution. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque. (For healthier eating, cook just until opaque to keep them tender.)
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over rice or with warm bread, enjoying the vibrant aromas.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for a luxurious texture; light coconut milk can be used for a lighter dish but results in less richness. Firm tofu or canned chickpeas can substitute shrimp for a plant-based option. Adjust red curry paste or chili flakes to control spice level. Add bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas during the last few minutes for extra nutrition. Thaw frozen shrimp before use. Serve immediately over rice or with warm bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 190 g)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: creamy shrimp, coconut shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, seafood, curry, healthy eating, family dinner, high-protein
