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Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

This Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe features succulent shrimp seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, onion, lime, and cilantro. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal, combining savory, tangy, and mildly spicy notes with the warmth of paprika and the subtle sweetness of honey.

Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

  • 1.1 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Cooking Ingredients

  • 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 coconut milk (full fat)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (more for serving)
  • chili flakes (for serving)
  • freshly cracked black pepper (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepping: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until the shrimp are evenly coated and set aside to marinate briefly.
  2. Chopping: Mince the garlic cloves finely, dice the yellow onion, and chop the cilantro. Having these ready will streamline the cooking process.
  3. Searing the shrimp: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 1 minute per side, just until they turn pink and develop a slight crust. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  4. Cooking the sauce: Lower the heat to low and add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Pour in three-quarters of the coconut milk and stir. Mix the remaining coconut milk with cornstarch until smooth, then add this mixture to the skillet to thicken the sauce. Stir in fish sauce, honey, and lime juice, letting it simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Final assembly: Stir chopped cilantro into the sauce, then return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything to coat the shrimp evenly and simmer for an additional minute until heated through. Taste the sauce and adjust with extra fish sauce or lime juice if desired to balance the flavors.
  6. Serving: Serve the shrimp topped with extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce; light coconut milk can make the sauce thinner.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase cornstarch slightly, mixing it well with coconut milk before adding.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the fish sauce used is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/garlic-shrimp-in-coconut-milk-recipe/