Garlic Shrimp Coconut Milk (Printable View)

Sautéed shrimp in a creamy coconut sauce with garlic and fresh herbs for vibrant tropical flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
06 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Sauce & Seasoning

07 - 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk, full-fat recommended
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
09 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in coconut milk, soy or fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Return shrimp to the skillet. Simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are heated through and sauce has slightly thickened.
06 - Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in one pan and tastes like something from a restaurant
  • Even people who swear they dislike coconut milk end up asking for seconds
02 -
  • Overcooked shrimp become rubbery so remove them the second they turn pink, they finish cooking in the sauce
  • Letting the sauce reduce for those few minutes makes all the difference between soup and a proper coating
03 -
  • Room temperature shrimp cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the fridge
  • Adding lime zest along with the juice gives an extra bright note that cuts through the richness

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