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Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe over rice in bowl garnished with scallions and chopsticks on edge of bowl. It's filled with flavor from garlic, ginger, coconut, and more. Done in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy nights!

Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Put away that take-out or delivery menu because this Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe is where it's at! It's a 30-minute family dinner for any busy weeknight. The shrimp is seared in a pan in just minutes. Then Warm, creamy, savory garlic and ginger aromatics are added for big flavor. Then hints of sweet notes come in from coconut milk and lime. I'm telling you, this dish may look blande in color, but it is spectacular in taste!

Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword 30 Minute Meal, Asian, rice, shrimp
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 689 kcal
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 1 cup White Long Grain Rice, uncooked
  • 2 pounds Raw Cleaned Shrimp, 26-30/lb (peeled, deveined, tail removed)
  • ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (divided for shrimp and sauce)
  • 1 tablespoons Coconut oil or olive oil
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger, minced
  • 14-15 ounces Coconut milk, unsweetened
  • 1 Lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoons Honey
  • 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Cold water
  • 4 Scallions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Instructions

Prep Ahead Steps

  1. Peel and clean the shrimp, if not already cleaned. Remove the vein and discard. Remove the tails as well. Season with Salt and Pepper

    Side-by-side images showing fingers pinching off the tail from raw shrimp for Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe. It's filled with flavor from garlic, ginger, coconut, and more. Done in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy nights!

  2. Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. Slice the scallions, separating out some of the greens for garnish. Zest the lime and juice it. Measure out the cornstarch and water (combine right before added to sauce). Measure the honey.

    Ingredients prepped and in separate bowls for Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe. It's filled with flavor from garlic, ginger, coconut, and more. Done in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy nights!

Cooking Steps

  1. Make the rice.  Rinse the rice under water in a strainer until the water runs clear.  Add to 4 cups of water with a pinch of salt and bring up to a boil.  Turn the water down to a low simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, but keep covered until you are ready to serve.

  2. Heat the coconut or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute on each side. Cook them in batches so you don’t overcrowd the skillet.

    Shrimp searing in pan for Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe. It's filled with flavor from garlic, ginger, coconut, and more. Done in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy nights!

  3. Add the garlic, ginger, and scallions to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Shake the coconut milk vigorously and then open and add to the pan with the lime zest and juice, honey, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.

    Coconut milk and shrimp mixture for Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe. It's filled with flavor from garlic, ginger, coconut, and more. Done in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy nights!

  4. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small dish then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes until thick.

  5. Remove from heat, serve on top of rice, and top with chopped scallions. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

  1. Can I use any other milk in the Creamy Coconut Sauce?  The traditional Chinese dish uses coconut milk, but you can substitute with regular cows milk, plain unsweetened almond milk, or heavy cream.
  2. Can I make this Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe ahead and reheat it?  This Creamy Coconut Shrimp is best when eaten right after you cook it. Shrimp is generally not great reheated as it tends to get overcooked and rubbery. If you do need to reheat them, do so on very low heat on the stove and remove from the heat immediately when they are warm.
  3. Is this Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe gluten free?  This Chinese Coconut Shrimp recipe is gluten free with the ingredients listed. Check all packaging ingredient labels to ensure that it does not contain gluten