This creamy coconut shrimp recipe is sweet and savoury and an absolutely irresistibly tropical dish. The shrimp are cooked perfectly, tender and juicy, then slathered with a thick, creamy coconut cream sauce. The sauce consists of a mixture of coconut milk, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and a squeeze of lime, bursting the flavour with every bite.
This creamy coconut shrimp recipe is straightforward to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a fancy dinner. Its rich mouthfeel begs to be paired with steamed rice, some vegetable sides or a few pieces of warm naan. If you’re a seafood fanatic or just want to taste something different, this creamy coconut shrimp recipe is going to take your taste buds on a trip directly to the tropical. Ideal for seafood lovers, this dish gives you one healthy but decadent option for enjoying shrimp in an intensely flavoured sauce.
Table of Contents
- Origins of Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Why Homemade is Perfect and Important
- Keys for the Perfect Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Health Benefits of Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- How to Choose High-Quality Seafood for Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Variations and Tips for Customizing Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe From OoohDelish!
- Can Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe Help with Weight Loss?
Origins of Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
The Creamy coconut shrimp recipe draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, where coconut milk is often used as a key ingredient. In much of the coastal area, shrimp and coconut come together to create a rich, tasty dish that mirrors the tropical, sunnier climates. Cooking with shrimp and coconut is a popular combination, think of Thai coconut shrimp, Caribbean-style coconut shrimp, etc.
In fact, over time, these regional influences evolved into what we now have to consider modern iterations of the dish and even everything served worldwide. Sure to be a new family favourite, the Alfredo shrimp recipe can be eaten as an appetizer, main course, or with rice or vegetables, lending a rich and exotic twist on comfort food.
Why Homemade is Perfect and Important
Why Use Homemade Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe? It is a great way to get creative in the kitchen; besides, you are entirely in charge of the ingredients used! Making this dish from scratch enables you to procure fresh and good-quality shrimp and high-quality coconut milk and to play with the seasoning to your liking. Store-bought alternatives come with preservatives and additives that homemade recipes help you avoid, making sure you are getting the freshest and tastiest of each bite.
Besides, cooking at home allows one to experiment with various flavours, spices, and herbs to create a dish that is truly their own. Whether you’re having it with guests or simply at a family meal time, a homemade creamy coconut shrimp recipe is a fantastic way to help make a memorable mealtime for all involved, simply and easily.
Keys for the Perfect Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
There are a number of tips for making the best creamy coconut shrimp recipe. Kick it off with our lists of fresh, high-quality shrimp for ideal texture and flavour. Choose large or jumbo shrimp since they give a nice bite and absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully. Second, match the richness of the coconut milk with its firm companions. Fresh garlic and ginger and a squeeze of lime or lemon will liven up the dish and emphasise its tropical flavours.
Also, make sure to cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque — overcooking will lead to tough, rubbery shrimp. Lastly, make sure you season the coconut cream sauce to taste with salt, pepper and whatever spices you like (maybe a little chilli flake for some heat or curry powder for added depth). Following these steps, your coconut shrimp recipe will knock it out of the park every time.
Health Benefits of Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
When made with healthy ingredients, the creamy coconut shrimp recipe has various health benefits. Shrimp are fantastic sources of lean protein. They are low in calories but dense in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. While coconut milk is full of healthy fats, it does have the added benefit of being a plant-based source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can aid energy and metabolism.
Moreover, coconut milk has anti-oxidants that counter inflammation. The recipe is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially when paired with leafy greens or rice on the side. Here’s a straightforward table outlining some nutritional benefits:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp (4 oz) | 120 calories, 23g protein | Boosts muscle health, supports immunity |
| Coconut Milk (1/4 cup) | 90 calories, 5g fat | Rich in MCTs, supports metabolism |
| Garlic (1 clove) | 4 calories, 1g carbs | Antioxidant-rich, boosts heart health |
| Lime (1 tsp) | 1 calorie | Rich in vitamin C, supports immune system |
This dish can be a healthy choice when made with light coconut milk or paired with a vegetable-heavy side.
How to Choose High-Quality Seafood for Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Choosing the best seafood is key to an excellent coconut shrimp recipe. As a rule of thumb, use the freshest shrimp you can find; avoid mushy, translucent meat, skinny, or overly soft texture. Fresh shrimp should smell only mildly of the sea, not fishy. Choose flash-frozen shrimp rather than those preserved with chemicals when buying frozen shrimp. If buying wild-caught shrimp, look for labels with sustainability certifications to be sure that they have been responsibly sourced.
Regardless of what you decide on, wild-caught vs. farmed shrimp, be sure to check how fresh it is, what size it is, and what acidity level it is, as these are all critical factors that will affect your creamy coconut shrimp recipe.
Variations and Tips for Customizing Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
The beauty of a creamy coconut shrimp recipe is its versatility. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have dietary restrictions, you can easily make it work with this dish. If you want to lighten up the recipe, go for light coconut milk or use a half-and-half mixture of coconut milk and broth. If you like things spicier, you can add some chopped fresh chillies, red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.
For a variation, add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or baby corn for texture and nutrition. You can also replace the shrimp with whatever seafood you have on hand — scallops or fish and use the recipe for the creamy coconut as a base. The options are limitless!
In conclusion, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, a creamy coconut shrimp recipe is sure to impress. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and adjusting the recipe to suit your preferences, you can create a flavorful and healthy dish that’s both indulgent and nourishing.
Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe From OoohDelish!
Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Ladle or serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 can 13.5 oz coconut milk (full-fat or light)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari optional
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander optional for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chili optional, for a spicy kick
- Lime wedges for serving
- Rice or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the shrimp with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm one tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Transfer from the skillet and reserve.
- Make the Coconut Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, then cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice and ground coriander (if using). Stir to combine. Simmer the sauce on low-medium for 5-7 minutes until everything comes together.
- Toss the shrimp with the sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat it. Add the shrimp and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are warmed through and coated with the creamy coconut sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Take it off the stove and sprinkle fresh cilantro and chilli flakes on top, if you like. Serve hot, accompanied by steamed rice or vegetables of your choice. Serve them with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of brightness.
Notes
For Extra Flavor: Try adding a pinch of curry powder or turmeric for a deeper, spiced flavor.
Spicy Version: If you like your dishes with a bit of heat, add finely chopped fresh chili or increase the amount of chili flakes in the sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Gluten-Free Option: Make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free (use tamari instead).
Can Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe Help with Weight Loss?
Creamy coconut shrimp recipes can also be a good meal for anyone needing to lose weight if designed with consciously healthy ingredients. Shrimp is a food low in calories, high in protein, and aids in satiety (fullness), which means it can help you feel full longer and keep you from overeating.
Shrimp also contains several essential nutrients, including iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12, that promote a healthy metabolism.
The coconut milk in the recipe has healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which promote fat burning, help in the burning of fat, and boost the rate of energy expenditure. Coconut milk is more caloric compared to lighter liquids (like broth), but in moderation, it can still keep the dish low-calorie.
If the goal is to lose weight, use light coconut milk or reduce the total coconut milk used in the recipe to reduce the total caloric value. Also, serving the shrimp with a fibre-dense vegetable or a mound of cauliflower rice instead of regular rice will go a long way in keeping calories down while making the meal feel like a true feast. Overall, for a healthy one, a creamy coconut shrimp recipe can be a good choice for a weight loss-friendly dish, provided it’s made with healthy, whole-food ingredients and mindful portion sizes.
References
Is Shrimp Good for You? Nutrition, Calories & More
Coconut Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
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