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Creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp Bowl: Best Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp in a creamy, garlicky coconut sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy nights and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (about half a lime)
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or rice of choice)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start your rice first. In a medium pot, combine 1 cup jasmine rice with 1½ cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and let it melt completely. Swirl to coat the bottom.
  4. Sear the shrimp in a single layer for 2 minutes without moving them. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the full can of coconut milk (shake well before opening). Add smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  8. Return the shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Stir gently to coat. Cook for 1 minute to warm through.
  9. Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and stir. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
  10. Serve immediately over jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they are done when pink and curled into a loose C shape. Shake the coconut milk can well before opening to ensure a consistent sauce. Let the shrimp sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a golden crust. The sauce will thicken as it sits; if too thin, simmer an extra minute; if too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy coconut garlic shrimp bowl, easy shrimp recipe, 30-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, coconut milk shrimp, garlic shrimp, quick dinner, seafood

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-coconut-garlic-shrimp-bowl-best-easy-30-minute-dinner/