Creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp a Taste of Paradise

Q: Can I use light coconut milk for this Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe?

You *can* use light coconut milk, but keep in mind that it will result in a less rich and creamy sauce. Full-fat coconut milk provides the best flavor and texture for this dish. If you do use light coconut milk, you might want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the sauce to help thicken it up.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Taste of Thailand

By Laura TideOctober 1, 2025

5.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Craving a Taste of Paradise? Let's Make Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk !

Ever get that travel bug but your wallet screams "stay home"? I do. Honestly, sometimes all you need is a delicious meal.

This Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe brings those tropical vibes right to your kitchen. It's got creamy, garlicky goodness.

You'll feel like you are chilling on a beach.

A Little Bit of Background

Shrimp in Coconut Milk Thai recipes are popular for a reason. This dish has roots in Southeast Asian cuisine. It's a quick and delicious way to enjoy seafood.

My take on this Asian inspired Seafood Meal is super simple. It's perfect even if you are not a pro in the kitchen.

It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You'll get four servings, ideal for a cozy dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The best part? It's packed with flavor and protein. You get the creamy richness of coconut milk plus the health benefits of shrimp.

Forget boring Lunch With Shrimp . This Coconut Shrimp recipe easy is perfect for any day of the week. It feels fancy but is seriously easy.

Time to gather your ingredients! Don't worry, it's all pretty basic stuff.

Get Ready for Some Coconut Garlic Shrimp Recipe Action!

To create an exceptional Creamy coconut shrimp you need a shopping list: You'll need olive oil, loads of garlic, succulent shrimp, red pepper flakes for a kick, canned coconut milk, and fresh lime.

Oh, and don't forget the cilantro. You can also swap out the shrimp for tofu and make the coconut milk seafood recipes vegetarian.

Coconut shrimp recipe easy for the win. The full recipe is in the next section but you can start by mincing that garlic.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk . This recipe is gonna give you that Asian inspired seafood meal you've been craving! Seriously, it's easier than ordering takeout.

My friend Sarah even calls it her go-to for lunch with shrimp !.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This kicks things off.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. That's about 1 tablespoon . Fresh is always best!
Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450g). Look for plump shrimp with a firm texture, no fishy smell.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Add more if you like it spicy!
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml).
Coconut Milk: 1 (13.5 ounce) can full fat (400 ml). Full fat is key for that creamy coconut shrimp texture.
Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This is optional.
Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml), freshly squeezed. Makes it pop!
Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons , chopped (30 ml). Use for garnish.
Rice, Noodles, or Bread: For serving. Pick your carb of choice.

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

For the best coconut garlic shrimp recipe , don't skimp on the aromatics! A little red pepper flake gives it a delightful kick.

Fish sauce adds umami, but soy sauce works in a pinch if you are missing it. And that lime juice at the end? It is pure magic.

These coconut milk seafood recipes are all about balance.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You really don't need fancy gadgets for this shrimp in coconut milk Thai inspired delight.

Large skillet or sauté pan: Nothing too fancy.
Cutting board and Chef's knife: For chopping the garlic.
Measuring spoons and cups: For accuracy.

Honestly, a wok works great too if you have one. But a skillet is just fine. This coconut shrimp recipe easy is all about convenience.

And who doesn't love a good garlic shrimp in coconut milk with rice on a busy weeknight? You got this!

Creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp: Your Taste of Paradise

Alright, let's dive into making some amazing Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk . This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.

Think Asian inspired seafood meal with a Thai coconut shrimp twist. Honestly, it's way easier than it sounds, and the flavors are just chef's kiss .

Trust me on this, you'll be hooked after the first bite.

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise On

Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get organized. Minced garlic, peeled shrimp, spices all lined up.

This is your essential mise en place. Honestly, it will save you so much time. And you know what they say, "A place for everything, and everything in its place!" This is great for Lunch With Shrimp .

step-by-step to Shrimp Perfection

Here's the super easy way to get this done in about 20 minutes, just enough time to cook rice.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Keep a close eye, you don't want to burn the garlic.
Add 1 pound shrimp, seasoned with 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 3- 5 minutes , flipping halfway, until they're pink and opaque.
Pour in 400 ml full fat coconut milk and 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional). Simmer for 5 minutes , allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice. Garnish with 2 tablespoons cilantro.
Serve immediately.

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to take your coconut garlic shrimp recipe to the next level? Use full fat coconut milk, this is key for that creamy coconut shrimp texture we're after.

And seriously, don't overcook the shrimp! Aim for that perfectly pink and opaque. Also, feel free to adjust the heat with the red pepper flakes, you know, for your taste.

Coconut milk seafood recipes can be quite versatile, and you are able to enjoy them with some Garlic shrimp in coconut milk with rice .

Now, who's ready for some Shrimp Coconut Milk ? This is gonna be amazing.

Recipe Notes for Your Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Okay, so you're ready to whip up some seriously delicious Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk ? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's go over a few extra bits to make sure yours is the Coconut shrimp recipe easy and best ever.

Serving Ideas: Level Up Your Lunch With Shrimp

Honestly, presentation matters! Plating this dish can be so fun. I love piling the creamy coconut shrimp high over fluffy rice, maybe even jasmine rice for that extra Thai coconut shrimp vibe.

A sprinkle of extra cilantro is always a good shout.

For sides, how about some steamed greens? Or even better, a cool cucumber salad to balance out the richness. If you're feeling fancy, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc goes brilliantly.

For a more Asian inspired seafood meal , try an iced Thai tea.

Storage 101: Keepin' It Fresh

If you've got leftovers and honestly, you might not! pop them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't really recommended; the coconut milk can get a bit weird. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Important: Make sure it's piping hot before serving again.

Remix Time: Coconut Milk Seafood Recipes

Fancy a tweak? For a bit of heat, add a chopped chili. You know? A bird's eye chili will do the trick! If you're veggie, firm tofu is a fab substitute.

Or chickpeas, for a protein punch.

During winter, kale or spinach is lush and will give you some extra nutrients. No fish sauce? A dash of soy sauce works fine. Hate cilantro? I get it, parsley's your friend.

Nutritional Info: The Good Stuff

Each serving comes in at about 350 calories . You will also be getting roughly 25g of protein , and 25g of fat , with 10g of carbs.

This Shrimp in coconut milk Thai is packed with protein and healthy fats. Just keep an eye on that sodium if you're watching your salt intake.

This Coconut garlic shrimp recipe is not only tasty but also good for you, in moderation, of course!

Garlic shrimp in coconut milk with rice is a winner! This recipe is so forgiving. You can’t really mess it up.

So, go on, get cooking! Enjoy this Shrimp Coconut Milk dish with confidence. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery when making Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk?

Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is not to overcook them. Shrimp cook very quickly, so add them to the pan only after the garlic is fragrant, and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque usually only 3-5 minutes.

Remember, they'll continue to cook a bit in the warm coconut milk sauce, so it's better to undercook them slightly than to overcook them.

Can I make Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk ahead of time?

While Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead of time. You can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and chop the cilantro earlier in the day. However, I recommend cooking the shrimp right before serving to prevent them from becoming tough.

The finished dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the texture may change slightly.

I'm not a fan of spice. How can I make Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk milder?

No worries, mate! Spice is totally adjustable. Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes from the recipe. You can also remove the seeds from the red pepper flakes, as that's where most of the heat resides.

If you accidentally add too much, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt stirred into the sauce can help tame the flames.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk?

This creamy shrimp dish is incredibly versatile! It's fantastic served over fluffy rice (jasmine or coconut rice are excellent choices) or with noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. Crusty bread is also a winner for mopping up every last bit.

For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side of steamed greens like broccoli or bok choy.

Can I use light coconut milk for this Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk recipe?

You can use light coconut milk, but keep in mind that it will result in a less rich and creamy sauce. Full fat coconut milk provides the best flavor and texture for this dish. If you do use light coconut milk, you might want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the sauce to help thicken it up.

I don't have fish sauce. Is it essential for this Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk?

Fish sauce adds a fantastic umami depth to the dish, but it's not strictly essential. If you don't have it on hand, you can substitute it with a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a similar savory note. Alternatively, you can simply omit it altogether.

The dish will still be delicious, just slightly less complex in flavor. Think of it like Marmite some love it, some hate it, but the dish still works without!