Garlic shrimp in coconut milk is a dish that transports you straight to a tropical paradise. Imagine succulent shrimp swimming in a creamy, fragrant coconut sauce, with garlic and spices dancing together in harmony. One taste, and you’re instantly whisked away from your kitchen to a sun-soaked beach with palm trees swaying in the breeze. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I substitute coconut milk with another ingredient?
- What kind of shrimp should I use?
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also evokes fond memories of family gatherings and beach barbecues. Picture this: laughter fills the air as everyone digs into a bowl of garlic shrimp, their faces lighting up with every delicious bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or at a festive party, this recipe promises to be the star of the show. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic shrimp in coconut milk is super easy to make, even for beginners
- The flavor profile is a beautiful mix of sweet and savory, creating a delightful experience
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching addition to any meal
- This dish is incredibly versatile; serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside fresh bread for dipping
I still remember the first time I made garlic shrimp in coconut milk for my friends; they were raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easier cooking.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess and richness; light versions can be too watery.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide robust flavor; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; yellow onions are perfect for this dish.
Bell Pepper: Red or yellow bell pepper adds color and sweetness; feel free to experiment with different varieties.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors; avoid bottled juice for the best taste.
Chili Flakes: Adjust these according to your spice tolerance; they add warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; always taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop your onion, bell pepper, and garlic so everything is ready when you start cooking.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing until they turn translucent and fill your kitchen with their delightful aroma.
Add Bell Peppers: Toss in the chopped bell peppers next. Cook them until they soften slightly—about 3-4 minutes—and become vibrantly colored.
Add Shrimp: Gently place the shrimp in the pan, stirring occasionally until they turn pink—this should take about 3-5 minutes depending on their size.
Pour in Coconut Milk: Now comes the star of our show! Pour in the creamy coconut milk while scraping up any bits stuck at the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently so all those lovely flavors meld together perfectly.
Add Lime Juice and Seasoning: Finally, add lime juice along with chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for another couple of minutes until thickened slightly.
And there you have it! Once everything is cooked through and beautifully blended together, serve your garlic shrimp in coconut milk hot over rice or with crusty bread on the side—you’ll want every last drop of that heavenly sauce!
You Must Know
- Garlic shrimp in coconut milk is not just a dish; it’s a tropical escape for your taste buds
- The creamy texture and aromatic spices create a culinary fiesta that can brighten any day
- Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a weeknight!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion until fragrant. Add shrimp next, then pour in coconut milk to simmer beautifully, creating a rich sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp with chicken or tofu if you prefer. Experimenting with fresh herbs or different spices can elevate the flavors even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best taste, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen; they cook quickly and absorb flavors better
- Don’t rush the garlic sautéing process; this step is crucial for depth of flavor
- Always taste before serving; you might want more salt or lime juice!
I remember the first time I made garlic shrimp in coconut milk for my friends. They couldn’t believe how easy it was and begged me for the recipe!
FAQ
Can I substitute coconut milk with another ingredient?
Yes, almond milk works, but it won’t have the same richness as coconut milk.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can work just fine if thawed properly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic shrimp in coconut milk is a flavorful dish that brings the essence of the tropics to your table. This recipe features tender shrimp simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with aromatic garlic and spices. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will transport you to sun-soaked beaches with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped, red or yellow)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by rinsing the shrimp and chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onions until translucent.
- Add chopped bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add shrimp to the pan, stirring until they turn pink (approximately 3–5 minutes).
- Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer gently.
- Stir in lime juice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper; let it simmer for another few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
