Easy Coconut Shrimp Recipe | Thai Inspired Dinner Idea

This Creamy Coconut Shrimp is full of Thai inspired flavors! An easy shrimp recipe bursting with coconut milk, basil, ginger, garlic, and fresh shrimp. Made in only one skillet and ready in 20 minutes!

ONE-SKILLET CREAMY COCONUT SHRIMP

Add a little spice to your life with this Creamy Coconut Shrimp! I love how easily recipes like this garlicky, gingery, coconut shrimp skillet come together, with super-minimal cleanup to go with that super-delicious flavor. Besides, we all agree that one-skillet meals are near perfection!

It’s also healthy, and there’s a ton of luscious sauce to serve over a bed of rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• Olive Oil: This is for sautéing the ingredients. You can also substitute coconut oil or even avocado oil.
• Shrimp: You’ll need two pounds of fresh raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. (It’s up to you whether you want the tails on or off.)
• Salt, Pepper, and Smoked Paprika: For seasoning the shrimp.
• Diced Onion: I use a yellow onion, but you can substitute white, red, or sweet onions if you like.
• Fresh Garlic and Basil: Mince the garlic (or use a garlic press), and chop the basil leaves.
• Ground Ginger: As always, make sure your ground spices are fresh.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Drain the tomatoes well before using.
• Unsweetened Coconut Milk: I use canned coconut milk. Be sure to shake it well before measuring and using.
• Lime Juice: For tangy flavor!
• Garnishes: Chopped fresh cilantro and basil are wonderful garnishes for this light and fragrant dish.

CAN YOU USE FROZEN SHRIMP?

• You can definitely use frozen raw shrimp in this dish! Thaw them first by placing them in a colander under cold running water for several minutes. Then, peel and devein (if necessary), rinse and pat dry with paper towels, and continue with the recipe.

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY COCONUT SHRIMP

1. Cook the Shrimp. Heat a tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your raw shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook them for about two minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Then, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics. After wiping down the skillet, set it over medium-high heat and add the remaining oil. Add the onions and cook until softened. Then stir in the garlic, basil, and ginger, and cook for about 20 more seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Coconut Milk. Stir the drained, diced tomatoes into the onion mixture and cook for 3 minutes, or until just softened. Add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer; continue to simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Return the Shrimp to the Skillet. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until heated through. Remove from the heat and squeeze the lime juice over the shrimp. Garnish with cilantro and basil, and serve.
5. Enjoy!

HOW TO COOK SHRIMP PERFECTLY

• What Size Shrimp? Keep in mind that shrimp can be purchased in a number of sizes and that smaller shrimp will cook even faster than large ones (which already cook very quickly).
• Cook Until Pink: Raw shrimp are a dull grayish color, but turn firm and pink when cooked. It can be difficult to take the temperature of shrimp correctly, but you’ll know that they are done when they are completely opaque and a nice pink color.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp curl up tightly, and even appear to “shrink” when overcooked, so avoid cooking to that point. Overcooked shrimp have an unpleasantly tough and chewy texture.

WHAT GOES WITH COCONUT SHRIMP?

• Rice: Any saucy dish like this coconut shrimp recipe pairs perfectly with rice. You can use any rice you like, even Cauliflower Rice!
• Coconut Mojitos: If you’d like to serve a cocktail, what could be better than a delicious, tropical drink like Coconut Mojitos?
• Chocolate Banana Popsicles: So maybe they’re not exactly seasonal, but Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas are just so good! I love how the light sweetness of the fruit contrasts with the indulgently rich chocolate, and both flavors are a welcome complement to the main course.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS

• To refrigerate. Store leftover coconut shrimp in airtight containers, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To freeze. Place leftovers in airtight storage bags or containers, leaving about 1 inch of “headspace” for the sauce to expand during freezing. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. The texture of the sauce may degrade somewhat due to freezing and thawing.
• To reheat. First, thaw the leftovers in the refrigerator (if frozen). Then place in a covered saucepan over low heat. While stirring frequently, cook until heated through.

MORE SHRIMP RECIPES TO TRY

ENJOY!

Tools Used in this Recipe