This Creamy Coconut Shrimp recipe is a celebration of Thai-inspired simplicity and bold flavors. With a silky coconut milk base infused with garlic, ginger, basil, and tomatoes, every bite brings warmth and brightness to the table. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect go-to for weeknights that deserve a little extra indulgence.
The shrimp are perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika and seared just right before being nestled back into the rich, tangy sauce. Whether spooned over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or paired with noodles, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every spoonful. Garnish with fresh cilantro and basil for a refreshing herbaceous finish.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 small yellow onion, finely diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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8 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
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¼ teaspoon ground ginger
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, well drained
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1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk (shake well before using)
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Juice of 1 lime
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Chopped fresh cilantro and basil, for garnish
Directions:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Wipe the skillet clean and add the remaining olive oil.
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Sauté onions until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Stir in garlic, basil, and ginger; cook for 20 seconds, until fragrant.
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Add drained diced tomatoes; cook for 3 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Pour in the coconut milk, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
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Return shrimp to skillet and simmer for 1 additional minute.
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Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and basil. Serve immediately over jasmine rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 462 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Coconut Shrimp: A Thai-Inspired Delight for Quick Weeknight Dinners
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of seafood in a creamy, fragrant sauce and this Creamy Coconut Shrimp delivers exactly that. Infused with Thai-inspired flavors like garlic, ginger, fresh herbs, and coconut milk, this dish strikes a balance between richness and freshness that few weeknight dinners can match. Whether you’re craving something exotic or need to impress guests in under 30 minutes, this one-skillet wonder will become a go-to in your kitchen repertoire.
A Fusion of Tropical Comfort and Modern Convenience
Creamy Coconut Shrimp reflects the magic that happens when traditional Southeast Asian flavors meet the pace of a modern Western kitchen. While the dish is inspired by Thai cuisine, it is adapted to be quick and accessible. It doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients or specialized tools, yet it brings to your plate the warmth and depth you’d expect from a more complex dish.
The recipe capitalizes on pantry staples like canned coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, and ground spices, while incorporating fresh shrimp and herbs to elevate the flavors. What makes it shine is how effortlessly these elements come together into a meal that feels both luxurious and wholesome.
The Flavor Profile: Where Creamy Meets Zesty
At the heart of this recipe is the sauce lush, creamy, and aromatic. Coconut milk forms the base, lending a rich, tropical creaminess that envelopes each bite of shrimp. Unlike heavy cream-based sauces that can feel overwhelming, coconut milk offers a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still satisfies the craving for comfort food.
The garlic and ginger bring a bold, spicy warmth, while fresh basil adds herbal brightness. Diced tomatoes introduce subtle acidity and body to the sauce, creating a nuanced flavor that keeps you coming back for more. A finishing touch of lime juice gives the dish a pop of tanginess that balances the creamy elements and leaves a clean, refreshing aftertaste.
Cultural Inspirations and Global Appeal
While Creamy Coconut Shrimp isn’t a direct translation of any one Thai dish, it’s clearly influenced by the coconut-rich curries and stir-fries popular throughout Southeast Asia. In Thai cuisine, coconut milk is often paired with ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, or red curry paste. This simplified version maintains the spirit of those dishes by marrying coconut milk with aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and basil.
What makes this dish so globally appealing is its adaptability. Many cultures around the world, from Caribbean to Indian to Polynesian, also use coconut milk in savory cooking. This universality makes the dish an easy fit for a variety of palates and dietary preferences.
Why Shrimp Works So Well
Shrimp is one of the fastest cooking proteins available, making it ideal for weeknight meals. It also pairs beautifully with bold, creamy sauces without losing its own distinct flavor and texture. In this recipe, shrimp provides a slightly sweet, briny contrast to the savory and tangy elements in the sauce.
What’s more, shrimp takes seasoning exceptionally well. The quick sear with paprika, salt, and pepper locks in flavor while providing a subtle smokiness that deepens the dish. Be careful not to overcook shrimp they only need a couple of minutes per side to become pink, firm, and juicy.
Versatility and Pairing Ideas
One of the most delightful things about Creamy Coconut Shrimp is its versatility. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or opt for lighter cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb. It also pairs well with rice noodles or even zoodles for a veggie-forward version.
Looking for a balanced meal? Add a simple side salad, like a spicy Asian cucumber salad or a crisp cabbage slaw dressed with sesame oil and lime. The fresh, crunchy textures provide contrast and cleanse the palate between creamy bites.
If you’re entertaining, serve the dish with a tropical drink think coconut mojitos or pineapple ginger spritzers. And for dessert? Chocolate-covered frozen bananas or mango sticky rice would complement the flavors beautifully.
Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations
This dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Coconut milk is a healthier fat alternative to cream, and it’s rich in lauric acid, which may support immunity and heart health. Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making this a lean source of essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.
For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of coconut milk or use a “lite” version. Swapping out white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice also boosts the fiber content while lowering the glycemic load. Vegetarians can adapt this recipe by using tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp while keeping the creamy coconut base.
Tips for Perfect Execution
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Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
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Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: That burst of citrus at the end lifts the entire dish and keeps the coconut milk from feeling too heavy.
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Customize the Heat Level: If you prefer a little kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce.
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Cook Aromatics Briefly: Garlic and ginger should be sautéed just until fragrant. Overcooking them can turn bitter.
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Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil don’t just add color they reinforce the dish’s fresh, bright flavor profile.
A Meal That Feels Special Without the Effort
It’s rare to find a dish that tastes like it took hours to make but is done in under 30 minutes. Creamy Coconut Shrimp is one of those gems. It checks all the boxes: flavorful, nourishing, quick, and adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or entertaining guests, it offers restaurant-quality flavor without stress or cleanup.
Its vibrant color and aroma make it visually appealing, while the rich-yet-light sauce ensures that it satisfies without being overly indulgent. The single-skillet format also means less time at the sink and more time enjoying your meal.
Conclusion:
Creamy Coconut Shrimp is more than just a recipe it’s a culinary escape that brings a bit of tropical warmth to your everyday routine. With its rich coconut sauce, tender shrimp, and aromatic herbs, it creates a sensory experience that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a reminder that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated and that even a weeknight dinner can feel like a little celebration.
Whether you’re exploring more Thai-inspired dishes or just looking for a fast, flavorful meal, this shrimp recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Its balance of nutrition, ease, and taste makes it a staple you’ll reach for again and again.