Garlic shrimp in coconut milk is a dish that dances on your taste buds, teasing them with flavors that are both creamy and savory. With each bite, you’ll experience the sweet notes of coconut mingling with the boldness of garlic, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and invites everyone to the table. 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>
- What type of shrimp is best for Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk?
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: it’s a balmy evening, and you’re at a beachside restaurant, the sun setting over the horizon. Suddenly, you’re hit with the enticing smell of garlic sizzling in a pan. That’s exactly what this dish brings to your home—summer vibes and cozy moments, perfect for dinner parties or just a casual meal on a Tuesday night. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic shrimp in coconut milk is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile balances richness and brightness, tantalizing your palate with every bite
- Its vibrant presentation makes it an instant showstopper on any dinner table
- Versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles, it’s sure to please any crowd
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their faces lit up as they took their first bites and declared me a culinary genius—who knew garlic shrimp could have such power?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works well; make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest flavor; don’t skimp on creaminess.
Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic is best for this recipe.
Fresh Ginger: A small amount adds a zesty kick that brightens up the overall flavor profile.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens up the dish beautifully.
Chili Flakes: Adjust these based on your heat preference; they add an exciting kick.
Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds freshness and color; feel free to add more if you’re a fan!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust these to taste as you cook.
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 together. Make sure your shrimp are thawed if using frozen ones, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, toss in minced garlic and ginger until fragrant—about 30 seconds will do.
Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. The creamy texture should start forming as it heats.
Cook Shrimp Perfectly: Add your shrimp into the bubbling coconut milk mixture. Cook them until they’re pink and opaque—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes depending on size.
Season It Up: Sprinkle in chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow everything to simmer for an additional minute so those flavors can meld beautifully.
Add Freshness Before Serving : Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro. The burst of acidity will elevate all those rich flavors.
Now you have an incredible garlic shrimp in coconut milk that’s ready to impress! Serve it warm over rice or noodles for a complete meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours when really it only took you about 30 minutes!
Cooking should be fun, not daunting! Enjoy every step of making this dish—you might even want to dance around your kitchen while waiting for those shrimp to cook!
You Must Know
- Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk is a delightful dish that’s both creamy and bursting with flavor
- Using fresh shrimp enhances the taste, while the coconut milk adds a rich, velvety texture
- The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a tropical paradise
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion until fragrant, then add shrimp and pour in coconut milk for delicious results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to throw in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color, or swap shrimp for chicken.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk in an airtight container. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp can work but may lose some texture
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be perfectly tender and juicy
- Adjust seasoning to your taste—fresh lime juice adds brightness that elevates the dish!
Sharing this dish at a dinner party once, my friends couldn’t get enough! Their praise warmed my heart and reminded me of why I love cooking.
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk?
Use fresh or frozen shrimp; both work well but fresh offers better flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the coconut milk is naturally dairy-free and gives richness without cream.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, usually taking just a few minutes.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic shrimp in coconut milk is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of tropical cuisine right to your table. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp simmered in rich coconut milk, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh ginger. The addition of lime juice and chili flakes adds a zesty kick, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (minced)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by thawing shrimp if frozen and patting them dry.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring occasionally until it simmers gently.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are pink and opaque.
- Season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper; let simmer for an additional minute.
- Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg