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Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

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4.3 from 83 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Garlic Shrimp dish cooked in rich coconut milk infused with garlic, lime, and a hint of spice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

  • 1.1 pounds shrimp – peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves – minced
  • 1 yellow onion – diced
  • 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) unsweetened coconut milk – full fat
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
  • Chili flakes – for serving
  • Freshly cracked black pepper – for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated. Set aside to marinate briefly while you prepare other ingredients.
  2. Prep aromatics and herbs: Mince the garlic cloves, finely dice the yellow onion, and chop the cilantro. Keep each ingredient ready to use.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and slightly caramelized. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté garlic and onion: Reduce the heat to low. Add minced garlic and diced onion into the same skillet and sauté gently until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  5. Create the coconut milk sauce: Pour ¾ of the canned coconut milk into the skillet. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining coconut milk with cornstarch until smooth and then add this mixture to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate and eliminate lumps.
  6. Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in the fish sauce, honey, and lime juice into the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2 minutes until it slightly thickens and flavors meld.
  7. Finish the dish: Stir in the chopped cilantro and return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat shrimp fully with the sauce and simmer for an additional 1 minute to heat through.
  8. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the fish sauce and lime juice as desired by adding teaspoons of each. Top with extra chopped cilantro, chili flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, garlicky shrimp delight.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined.
  • You can adjust the amount of chili flakes depending on your spice preference.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Full-fat coconut milk gives richness; substitutions with light coconut milk will reduce creaminess.
  • If cornstarch is not available, arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening alternative.
  • Fish sauce is key for authentic umami flavor; however, it can be substituted with soy sauce for a vegetarian adaptation.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/garlic-shrimp-in-coconut-milk-recipe/