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Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe: What Makes It So Irresistible?
Looking to wow your friends and family? The creamy coconut shrimp recipe is your go-to. It’s a mix of juicy shrimp and a creamy coconut sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s got a kick from ginger, garlic, and spicy peppers, making it a unique treat.
This dish is easy to make in just 40 minutes. It’s great for a quick dinner or a casual get-together. Each serving is about 277 calories, making it a healthier choice than many restaurant dishes. Dive into this tasty recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
This creamy coconut shrimp recipe is a mix of coconut’s rich taste and shrimp’s tenderness. The velvety sauce complements the shrimp perfectly, making it a treat for your taste buds. You can make this dish with simple cooking skills and a few key ingredients, adding it to your favorite meals.
Each serving is packed with flavor but won’t weigh you down. It has about 439 calories and 25.2 grams of protein. This makes it a great choice for a nutritious yet tasty meal.
In just 45 minutes, you can wow your family or guests with this dish. It stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. With ingredients like large shrimp, coconut milk, and fresh veggies, making this recipe is easy. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and light.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
To make a delicious creamy coconut shrimp dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. This easy coconut milk shrimp recipe combines each part to create a unique taste.
- 2 pounds of medium or large shrimp (approximately 20/30 count)
- 1 can (15 oz) coconut milk
- 1 diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger root
- 5 to 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil for sautéing
For serving, you’ll need steamed rice and fresh basil for garnish. These ingredients blend together to make a dish full of tropical flavors.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 2 lbs |
| Coconut Milk | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Onion | 1 diced |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1 diced |
| Jalapeño Pepper | 1 chopped |
| Ginger Root | 1 tablespoon minced |
| Garlic | 5 to 6 cloves minced |
| Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar | 1½ tablespoons |
| Lime Juice | 2 to 3 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 2 teaspoons |
| Coconut or Olive Oil | 1 to 2 tablespoons |
How to Prepare Shrimp for Cooking
Getting your shrimp ready is key to a tasty meal. Start by picking out fresh or frozen shrimp of high quality. If it’s frozen, thaw it first. You can do this by running cold water over it or leaving it in the fridge overnight.
After thawing, peel and devein the shrimp. Remove the tails for easier eating. This step is important for any shrimp dish, making sure the shrimp look and taste great. Then, dry the shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season your shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a bit of olive or coconut oil. This will help them cook well in your creamy coconut sauce. The shrimp will come out flavorful and delicious.
Cooking Methods for Creamy Coconut Shrimp
There are several ways to cook your creamy coconut shrimp. Each method brings out the best in your dish. Sautéing the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat is a classic choice. Use a bit of oil and cook until they turn opaque and curl up, about 4-6 minutes.
This method keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. It lets the coconut sauce flavors shine.
Stir-frying is another great option. Add bigger veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra texture. This method not only complements the shrimp but also boosts the dish’s fiber content, making it healthier.
Using an air fryer is a modern twist. It’s a healthier choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. The air fryer cooks the shrimp with less oil, perfect for those watching their calories. No matter the method, watch the cooking time closely. This ensures your shrimp are cooked just right, without being rubbery.
You can store the shrimp in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The cooking method you choose depends on your taste. But each way makes this dish a delicious standout.
Creamy Coconut Sauce: The Secret to Irresistibility
The creamy coconut sauce is the heart and soul of this dish. It takes your creamy shrimp to a new level. Start with rich canned coconut milk, a base that adds a luxurious texture.
Sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger in a pan first. This adds flavor before adding the coconut milk. Together, they create a mix of savory and sweet, making the sauce irresistible.
To balance the richness, add a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of brown sugar. This mix enhances flavors, balancing acidity and sweetness. A thickening agent like cornstarch makes sure the sauce sticks to the shrimp, making every bite flavorful.
As the sauce simmers, your kitchen will fill with aromatic scents. With the right care, this coconut cream sauce turns your creamy shrimp into a dish that’s hard to resist. It makes every gathering unforgettable.
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Shrimp
To make your shrimp with coconut milk Filipino recipe special, serve it over fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce and balances the flavors. You can also try thin noodles or coconut rice for a different twist.
Adding a unique touch to your dish can make it even better. Try garnishing with fresh basil or sliced jalapeños. This adds color and a bit of spice, making your dish a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
When serving, consider these details:
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Base | Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or thin noodles |
| Garnish | Fresh basil, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro |
| Serving Temperature | Warm |
| Portion Size | 1.25 cups per serving |
With these tips, serving shrimp with coconut milk Filipino recipe is a chance to impress your guests. It’s a way to show off your cooking skills and create memories. Enjoy your meal, knowing you’ve made it special.
Variations of Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
The creamy coconut shrimp recipe can be made in many ways to suit your taste. You can add different ingredients to make it exciting. Adding curry powder or paste gives it a vibrant flavor. This is great for those who love spicy food.
For a change, try garlic butter shrimp with coconut milk. Use big chunks of veggies in a stir-fry style for a satisfying bite. Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini can add color and taste to the shrimp.
Make it a shrimp tostada for a fun twist. Place the shrimp on crispy corn tortillas and top with avocado, cilantro, and salsa. It’s perfect for parties, casual meals, or a creative dish.
Every variation lets you make the creamy coconut shrimp your own. Whether you’re trying new spices or textures, these ideas will wow your guests. They’ll add fun to your meals.
Health Benefits of Creamy Coconut Shrimp
Enjoying a healthy creamy coconut shrimp recipe is a treat for your taste buds and body. It has about 261 calories per serving, which is less than fried shrimp. The shrimp itself is packed with 24.1 grams of protein, helping your muscles and boosting your immune system.
Full-fat coconut milk adds medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to the dish. These MCTs boost your metabolism. A quarter cup of this creamy ingredient adds 90 calories and 5 grams of healthy fat. These fats help keep your energy up and support weight management.
Adding veggies like bell peppers and onions makes the dish more flavorful and nutritious. They add important vitamins and minerals. Plus, they keep the dish low in carbs, with only 7.8 grams per serving.
This recipe has just 2.6 grams of sugar. You can also choose not to use coconut sugar, making it suitable for many diets. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, helping you feel full and avoid eating too much.
Cooking this dish takes only 30 minutes, perfect for a quick meal. You can serve it over cauliflower rice or noodles. It’s a nutritious and tasty option for any meal.
Suggestions for Pairing with Creamy Coconut Shrimp
Pairing your creamy coconut shrimp with the right side dishes can make your meal better. It turns a simple meal into a feast. Here are some great suggestions to go with your coconut shrimp:
- Egg Rolls: These crispy delights add a fun crunch that complements the sweetness of the creamy coconut shrimp recipe.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: This dish combines 3 cups of cold cooked rice and 1 cup of diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Mango Salsa: A fresh option made with 2 ripe mangoes, 1 small red onion, and 1 jalapeño, it adds a zesty flair that pairs beautifully with coconut shrimp.
- Spicy Asian Slaw: Featuring a crunchy base of cabbage and cucumbers, dressed with lime juice, fish sauce, and honey to balance the richness of the shrimp.
- Coleslaw: Quick to make, this 4-ingredient option provides a refreshing contrast to the creaminess.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Combining 2 cups of chopped romaine and 1 cup of pineapple chunks offers a light and refreshing palate cleanser.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked to perfection, these fries require about 45 minutes and match well with the flavors of coconut shrimp.
- Ginger-Glazed Carrots: These can be broiled in just 6 minutes, adding a vibrant color and flavor to your plate.
- Creamy Parmesan Rice: Lemony and creamy, this rice dish works as a perfect companion, enriching the overall meal.
- Avocado and Tomato Salad: With the creamy texture of avocado, this salad provides a rich yet healthy balance to the coconut shrimp.
These pairings are crafted to enhance the main dish while allowing the flavors of the creamy coconut shrimp recipe to shine. You’ll find that each suggestion blends beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal your guests will love. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Impress your guests with this easy coconut milk shrimp recipe. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. This dish is perfect for a busy schedule but packs a big flavor punch. Follow these simple steps to make delicious cream shrimp that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 14 oz full-fat coconut milk
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp freshly grated lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
- Optional: 1 tsp sriracha or cayenne pepper for heat
- Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook Your Rice: Start by preparing your preferred rice, which pairs wonderfully with cream shrimp.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp if frozen and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps achieve that perfect sear.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Create the Coconut Sauce: In the same pan, add the coconut milk, lime juice, zest, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a slight simmer.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and let everything cook together for an additional minute or two.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut over the top for an inviting presentation. Serve over your freshly cooked rice.
This easy coconut milk shrimp recipe is a satisfying and flavorful meal. It serves four, with each serving having about 7-8 shrimp. Each serving has around 540 calories, making it a great choice for your meal rotation. Enjoy the rich and creamy texture infused with coconut milk, complemented by the zest of lime.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 540 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 23g |
| Protein | 55g |
| Cholesterol | 479mg |
| Sodium | 2338mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugar | 7g |
Conclusion
Making this easy shrimp recipe is a fun experience that adds vibrant flavors to your meals. It combines wild shrimp, tender tofu, and fresh broccoli for a satisfying and healthy dish. Each serving has 40 grams of protein, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal.
This seafood recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. It’s quick to prepare, taking less than 20 minutes. This makes it ideal for any time you want to impress your guests or just enjoy a delicious meal.
Give this creamy coconut shrimp recipe a try and see why it’s a favorite among many. You can customize it to your liking, adding your own twist to each meal. It’s a great way to make every meal special and enjoyable.
FAQ
What can I serve with creamy coconut shrimp?
Serve creamy coconut shrimp with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. Egg rolls and coleslaw are also great choices. For a tropical touch, try pineapple salsa or mango chutney.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Thaw them under cold water or in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid moisture.
Is this creamy coconut shrimp recipe healthy?
Absolutely! It’s about 277 calories per serving and has 22 grams of protein. It’s a healthy dinner option. The veggies add to its nutritional value.
Can I customize the coconut sauce?
Definitely! Add curry powder or paste for more flavor. You can also add different veggies for texture. The sauce can be tailored to your taste.
What shrimp sizes work best for this recipe?
Use medium or large shrimp (20/30 count). They offer the best flavor and texture.
How do I ensure the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Cook the shrimp until they turn opaque and curl up. This usually takes just a few minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
What type of coconut milk should I use?
Use canned coconut milk for the best creamy sauce.
Can I make creamy coconut shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
How long does it take to prepare creamy coconut shrimp?
It takes about 40 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy dinner option.
What can I use instead of coconut oil for sautéing?
Olive oil is a great substitute. It offers a different flavor and is a healthier option for cooking shrimp.
