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+ servings

California Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Tender shrimp seared and simmered in a creamy garlic coconut milk sauce, brightened with lime and sweetened with honey, finished with fresh cilantro.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course, Quick Meals, Seafood
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Shrimp and Seasoning
  • 1.1 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce Base
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk about 1.75 cups
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
For Serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped plus more for garnish
  • chili flakes to taste
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp
  1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely, then pat dry with paper towels. Peel and devein if needed. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Prep the Aromatics and Sauce
  1. Mince the garlic, dice the onion, and chop the cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with about 2 tablespoons of the coconut milk until smooth and no lumps remain. Set aside the remaining coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and honey nearby.
Sear the Shrimp
  1. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering hot. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and sear for 1 minute per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Build the Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the same skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Pour in about three-quarters of the coconut milk (reserve the rest for later) and stir to combine.
  2. Give the cornstarch mixture a quick whisk, then add it to the pan along with the fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Raise the heat slightly and simmer for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Finish and Serve
  1. Stir in the chopped cilantro, then return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything to coat the shrimp in the sauce and simmer for 1 minute, just until warmed through—be careful not to overcook.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more fish sauce for saltiness, extra lime juice for brightness, or a pinch of chili flakes and freshly cracked black pepper for heat. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 1400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g

Notes

For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the chili flakes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid toughening the shrimp. To make it a complete meal, serve over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with additional olive oil or coconut oil.

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