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Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

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4.1 from 37 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe that brings together tender shrimp seared to perfection and simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, onion, lime, and fish sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish balances savory, tangy, and mildly sweet flavors for a satisfying seafood meal that’s perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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 (plus more for serving)

For Serving

  • Chili flakes
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly coat and set aside while prepping the other ingredients.
  2. Prepare aromatics and herbs: Mince the garlic cloves, finely dice the yellow onion, and chop the cilantro. Keep these ready for cooking.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 1 minute per side until just cooked and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté gently for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  5. Create the coconut milk sauce: Pour ¾ of the can of coconut milk into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and onion. In a small bowl, combine the remaining coconut milk with cornstarch to make a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine and thicken the sauce.
  6. Season the sauce: Add fish sauce, honey, and lime juice to the skillet. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
  7. Finish the dish: Stir in the chopped cilantro and return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce, and simmer for another 1 minute or until the shrimp are heated through. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice if desired.
  8. Serve: Transfer the shrimp and coconut sauce to plates or a serving bowl. Top generously with extra chopped cilantro, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a sliced fresh chili during cooking.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, reduce or omit the honey.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best brightness in flavor.
  • If cornstarch is not available, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or omit, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southeast Asian

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