The Best Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe – Ready In 30 Minutes!

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and creamy seafood dish, this Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe is a must-try! Made with juicy shrimp, rich coconut milk, and a touch of Thai red curry paste, this one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is not only easy to make but also gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with bold flavors. The creamy coconut sauce coats each shrimp perfectly, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is—either way, it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe

🦐 Quick & Easy
In our busy lives, dinner needs to be quick, and this creamy shrimp dish delivers just that! You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in 30 minutes or less. With just a handful of simple ingredients—like shrimp, coconut milk, and red curry paste—you can prepare a full, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. No need for complex steps or special equipment; everything cooks in one skillet, keeping clean-up to a minimum.

🥥 Rich & Creamy
What makes this dish extra special is its luscious, creamy sauce. The combination of coconut milk and coconut cream gives the shrimp a silky texture, while the Thai red curry paste adds a mild, aromatic spice that balances out the sweetness of the coconut. The richness of the coconut provides a satisfying flavor without feeling too heavy—making it ideal for those craving comfort food that doesn’t weigh them down. The sauce clings beautifully to the shrimp, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is decadent.

🌱 Healthy & Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking for a healthy meal option, this creamy coconut shrimp recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free, so it works for those following a variety of dietary restrictions or looking to eat cleaner. Additionally, the shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, and the coconut milk adds healthy fats. It’s a great option for anyone looking to eat healthy without compromising on flavor. Plus, the natural ingredients allow you to feel good about what you’re eating!

🍛 Versatile & Delicious
Not only is this dish incredibly easy to make, but it’s also highly versatile! Serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal, or try it with rice noodles for a lighter twist. You can even enjoy it with zucchini noodles or on its own if you’re looking to keep things low-carb. The shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides, making it adaptable for any occasion—whether you’re having a casual dinner with family or preparing something special for guests.

Ingredients for Creamy Coconut Shrimp

📌 For the Shrimp

• Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) – Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the perfect texture. Peeled and deveined for quick preparation!
• Salt & pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor. Adjust to taste.
• Olive oil (or coconut oil) – Use olive oil for a neutral flavor or coconut oil to complement the tropical coconut theme of the dish.

📌 For the Creamy Coconut Sauce

• Coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess) – Full-fat coconut milk provides the rich, creamy base for the sauce, giving it a velvety texture.
• Coconut cream – Adds an extra layer of richness to the sauce and thickens it for a luxurious consistency.
• Thai red curry paste – A key ingredient for a mild spicy kick, giving the dish a flavorful heat without overwhelming the coconut’s sweetness.
• Red bell pepper & fresh basil – Red bell pepper adds color and a sweet crunch, while fresh basil enhances the dish with a refreshing herbal note.
• Garlic & ginger – These aromatics provide depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the coconut milk and curry paste.

📌 Optional Add-ins

• Peanut butter – A nutty twist that adds depth and complexity to the sauce while keeping it creamy.
• Rice noodles or jasmine rice – Serve this dish over rice noodles or jasmine rice for a hearty, satisfying meal. Both are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce!

How to Make Creamy Coconut Shrimp (Step-by-Step)

🛒 Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

• Why this step matters: Cooking the shrimp first ensures they get perfectly cooked and tender without overcooking them in the sauce later. Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to get them just right before setting them aside.
• Instructions: Heat your choice of olive oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Olive oil has a mild flavor, while coconut oil will complement the dish’s coconut profile.
• Add the shrimp to the pan and season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a bright pink color and are opaque in the middle. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overdo it!
• Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. This prevents them from overcooking while you prepare the sauce.

🥥 Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Curry Sauce

• Why this step matters: This is where the magic happens! The creamy coconut sauce is what makes this dish rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Sautéing the aromatics (garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper) first helps to build the foundation of flavor.
• Instructions: In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, add a little more olive oil or coconut oil if needed. Cook the garlic and ginger over medium heat until they become aromatic. This will take about 1-2 minutes and will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas.
• Add the red bell pepper, which provides a subtle sweetness and crunch to the dish. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens.
• Stir in the Thai red curry paste. This ingredient adds a mild, aromatic spice to the sauce. Stir it in for about a minute to allow it to bloom, releasing its flavors into the oil and vegetables.
• Pour in the coconut milk and coconut cream. The coconut milk is the base of the sauce and adds a creamy, slightly sweet flavor, while the coconut cream enhances the richness and thickness of the sauce. Let the mixture come to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This should take about 4-5 minutes, creating a creamy and luscious sauce.

🍤 Step 3: Combine & Simmer

• Why this step matters: Now that you’ve prepared the sauce, it’s time to bring everything together. Adding the shrimp back to the skillet allows them to soak up all the flavors of the sauce.
• Instructions: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the coconut sauce. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce and let them absorb all the delicious coconut and curry flavors. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through and fully coated in the creamy sauce.
• Add freshly chopped basil to the skillet for a burst of freshness. The basil adds a nice herbal note that balances the richness of the coconut cream.
• At this point, taste the sauce and tweak the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.

🍛 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with extra fresh basil for color and flavor, and serve immediately while the dish is hot and fresh!

Why this step matters: Serving the creamy coconut shrimp over a carbohydrate like rice noodles, jasmine rice, or long-grain white rice creates a complete meal. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite extra satisfying.

Instructions: Plate the shrimp with the coconut sauce over your choice of rice or noodles. You can use any of the options mentioned above, depending on what you prefer or have on hand. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with both soft rice and tender noodles.

Tips for the Best One-Pan Creamy Coconut Shrimp

1. Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk for a Creamier Sauce

• Why this works: Full-fat coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce that light or low-fat versions just can’t match. The extra fat from the coconut milk enhances the sauce’s smoothness, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
• Pro Tip: When choosing coconut milk, opt for full-fat coconut milk in a can (not the carton variety typically used for drinking). This will give you the best results for a creamy, indulgent sauce.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp—They Only Need 2-3 Minutes Per Side

• Why this works: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly and can easily become rubbery if overcooked. The key to tender, juicy shrimp is to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes on each side.
• Pro Tip: As soon as the shrimp turn pink and curl up, remove them from the skillet to avoid overcooking. They’ll continue cooking slightly in the hot coconut sauce, but will remain tender.

3. For Extra Spice, Add More Red Curry Paste or Red Pepper Flakes

• Why this works: Thai red curry paste adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish, but if you prefer your shrimp a bit spicier, feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. Red pepper flakes are another great option if you want to dial up the heat.
• Pro Tip: Start with a small amount of red curry paste, then taste the sauce before adding more. Red pepper flakes can also be sprinkled in at the end for an additional kick if you want more spice without altering the overall flavor balance.

4. Make It a Complete Meal by Serving with Gluten-Free Rice or Noodles

• Why this works: Serving your creamy coconut shrimp over gluten-free rice or noodles transforms it into a satisfying, well-rounded meal. The rice or noodles absorb the rich, flavorful sauce, making each bite more delicious and filling.
• Pro Tip: For a healthier option, try cauliflower rice as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative. It pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut shrimp while keeping the dish light and nutritious.

FAQ About Creamy Coconut Shrimp

1. Can I make this recipe without shrimp?

Yes, you can easily substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even fish like salmon or white fish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. Tofu or chicken may need a bit more time to cook through, while fish cooks quickly like shrimp.

2. Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?

While you can use light coconut milk, it may result in a less creamy sauce. Full-fat coconut milk provides a rich, indulgent texture that’s essential for this recipe’s creamy flavor.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover creamy coconut shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra coconut milk or water to thin out the sauce if necessary.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just be sure to store the shrimp and sauce together to retain its flavor. When reheating, do so slowly to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

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You’ll Also Love

If you enjoyed this creamy coconut shrimp recipe, you might also love these delicious, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes:

1. Thai Red Curry Shrimp

A flavor-packed shrimp recipe with a spicy and fragrant red curry base. It’s just as creamy and indulgent but with a little more heat!

2. Coconut Milk Chicken Curry

This creamy chicken curry uses the same coconut milk base and comes together in one pan for a satisfying dinner. Perfect for spice lovers!

3. Shrimp Pad Thai

A delicious gluten-free Thai-inspired noodle dish with a tangy tamarind sauce, shrimp, and loads of crunchy veggies. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

4. Vegan Coconut Curry with Tofu

For those following a plant-based diet, this vegan coconut curry is packed with flavor, and tofu takes the place of shrimp. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying.

More Easy & Healthy Shrimp Recipes to Try

If you love this creamy coconut shrimp recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious and healthy shrimp dishes that you can whip up in no time:

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

A simple, flavorful 15-minute shrimp dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. The garlic butter sauce is rich and irresistible!

2. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Another creamy, coconut-based shrimp recipe with Thai-inspired flavors. This dish is perfect if you love the combination of coconut and spice.

3. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Veggies

A healthy and easy skillet meal that combines shrimp with fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes, all seasoned with zesty lemon and garlic.

4. Dairy-Free Shrimp Alfredo

This creamy, comforting pasta dish uses a dairy-free Alfredo sauce made from cashews and coconut milk, giving it a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.

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Conclusion

Give this Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe a try and experience its rich, comforting flavors! It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram—we can’t wait to see your dish!