Description
A flavorful Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe that combines tender shrimp seared to perfection with a creamy, aromatic coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, lime, and cilantro. This quick and easy skillet dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a touch of tropical flair.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1.1 pounds shrimp – peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Sauce and Cooking
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 yellow onion – diced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro – plus more for serving
For Serving
- chili flakes
- freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoned Shrimp: Add shrimp, salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder to a bowl. Stir to combine and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Prep Aromatics and Herbs: Mince the garlic cloves, finely dice the yellow onion, and chop the cilantro. Have these ingredients ready for quick cooking.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over high heat. Place shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 minute on each side until slightly golden and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, developing a flavorful base.
- Make Coconut Sauce: Pour in three-quarters of the coconut milk into the skillet with the garlic and onion. In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining coconut milk with cornstarch until smooth, then add this mixture to the skillet. Stir in fish sauce, honey, and lime juice, and simmer the sauce for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir in chopped cilantro and return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss the shrimp in the aromatic coconut sauce and simmer gently for another minute until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more fish sauce or lime juice if desired. Top with extra cilantro, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy coconut sauce.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp thawed properly will work as well.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the fish sauce used is gluten-free certified.
- Adjust the lime juice and fish sauce according to your taste preference for a perfectly balanced sweet, salty, and tangy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
