Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m SO excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you – Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk! This isn’t your average shrimp dish; it’s a flavor explosion that turns any meal into a total celebration.
Picture tender shrimp swimming in a creamy, garlicky, coconutty sauce. Does that sound amazing? It is! I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over time, making it a weeknight winner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. I’m talking seriously bold, satisfying flavors. Get ready to ditch the boring dinners and embrace this incredible Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk!
This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk recipe is super special because it’s one of those dishes that just works. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-comforting.
So, how did this amazing Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk concoction come about? Well, it all started with a late-night kitchen experiment. I was craving something creamy and flavorful, but also wanted something relatively quick to make. I started rummaging through my fridge and pantry, and BAM! The idea for Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk was born.
It was a happy accident, for sure. I remember the excitement of the first bite, the creamy coconut milk coating the succulent shrimp, the garlic adding a warm, aromatic punch. From that moment on, Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk became a regular in my meal rotation. It’s just that good!
What really makes this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk dish special is the perfect balance of flavors. The richness of the coconut milk complements the savory garlic and the sweetness of the shrimp. It’s like a party in your mouth! It’s also surprisingly versatile. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even just enjoy it on its own.
Trust me; this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk will become a go-to in your kitchen too. I can’t wait for you to experience the delicious magic! Join me as we dive into this incredible recipe together. Get ready for a flavor adventure you won’t forget! Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Grab these during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen works, just make sure they’re thawed!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the garlic.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk needs that garlic punch!
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk: Don’t skimp on the fat – it’s what makes it creamy!
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For that umami goodness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens everything up!
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Add more or less depending on your spice preference.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: For garnish and fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because every dish needs a little seasoning love!
Here’s my secret to making this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk go from good to incredible: a tiny splash of fish sauce! It might sound strange, but it adds a savory depth that’s totally addictive. If you don’t have any, no worries, the soy sauce does a great job too.
You can grab these ingredients during your normal shopping trip. To make this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk even more weeknight-friendly, you can buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp. That’s a huge time-saver! Store your fresh cilantro in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep it fresh longer.
This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk gets its amazing taste from the combination of garlic, coconut milk, and lime juice. These three ingredients create a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors. I love adding extra red pepper flakes to my creamy coconut garlic shrimp for that extra kick! If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to omit them.
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk – watch the delicious magic happen! Get ready for some incredible aromas!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat: Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the garlic.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant: Be careful not to burn the garlic, it will taste bitter.
- Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes: Stir everything together to combine. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened: The sauce should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until pink and cooked through: Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery. In my kitchen, this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk usually takes less than 5 minutes for the shrimp to fully cook.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Your Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
This is where the delicious magic really happens! Watch the sauce transform into a creamy, flavorful coating for the shrimp. Don’t worry if your **Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk** looks a little thin at first; it will thicken up as it simmers.
One of my personal cooking discoveries is that a pinch of sugar can really enhance the flavors in this dish. I started experimenting with Thai Coconut Shrimp, and sugar made all the difference. A tiny bit balances out the savory and spicy elements. I also love adding a squeeze of lime juice at the very end for an extra burst of freshness.
I accidentally added a bit too much red pepper flakes once, and it turned out amazing! While your Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! This Creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp is a real treat.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk hits the table! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I love serving this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce! Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also great options. For a complete meal, I like to add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
The flavors in this dish pair perfectly with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A cold beer also works well! This **Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk** is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
For a fun twist, you can serve this **Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk** with noodles. Try linguine or fettuccine. Toss the noodles with the sauce and shrimp, and you have a complete and satisfying meal.
When it comes to presentation, I like to arrange the **Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk** in a shallow bowl and garnish it generously with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A wedge of lime on the side adds a pop of color and allows people to add an extra squeeze of lime juice if they like.
I made a big batch of this Creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp for a potluck once, and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about the creamy sauce and the perfectly cooked shrimp. I even had a few people ask me for the recipe!
If you have any leftovers, they’re great the next day! I like to reheat them and serve them over rice or use them as a filling for tacos or wraps. This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk is a total win-win! You can even transform your leftovers into Coconut Shrimp Laksa – Heather Christo.
For a bolder flavor pairing, try serving this with a side of spicy kimchi. The fermented flavors of the kimchi complement the sweetness of the coconut milk and the garlic in a really interesting way. This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, Spiced Shrimp with Roasted Honeynut Squash.
FAQs:
Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk is easier than you think!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk?
Absolutely! This recipe is super simple and straightforward. Even if you’re a beginner, you can totally nail it! Just follow the steps, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create! And if you mess up the proportions slightly, it will still taste good!
What if I mess up my Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! But even if you do, it’ll still be delicious. Maybe it’ll be a little too spicy, or a little too salty, but it’ll still be edible! Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! And if you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk.
How can I prep this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk for busy weeknights?
You can chop the garlic and measure out the spices ahead of time. You can also buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together in minutes!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I like to put them in a colander and run them under cold water until they’re thawed.
Can I use light coconut milk?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. Full-fat coconut milk is definitely the way to go for the best flavor and texture in this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk.
How can I make this Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes! You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Add a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
I got a question from a reader who tried adding ginger to this **Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk**, and they said it was amazing! Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out One Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter.
CONCLUSION:
This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk brings me so much joy because it’s a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food with a twist.
My Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices! Try adding a pinch of turmeric or cumin for a unique flavor.
- A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens everything up!
- Fresh cilantro is a must for garnish and flavor.
I’ve tested a few delicious Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk variations. For a Thai-inspired version, add a tablespoon of Thai red curry paste. For a sweeter version, add a teaspoon of brown sugar. If you’re in the mood for something even more exotic, try Thai Red Coconut Shrimp Curry Recipe / Gaeng Daeng Goong …!
I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Cooking should be fun!
I’m so excited for you to try this **Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk** recipe! I know you’re going to love it! Get ready for a flavor adventure you won’t forget! Enjoy! This Thai Coconut Shrimp – Zest and Lemons is another favorite variation. This Creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp is going to become a part of your weekly meal planning.
Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk
This Shrimp with Garlic and Coconut Milk is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy coconut milk sauce infused with garlic creates a delicious complement to the succulent shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of curry powder or ginger to the sauce. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.