Ingredients
Shrimp
- Approx. 36 medium-large shrimp, thawed, deveined, tails removed (about 450g or 1 lb)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 lime, juice only
- 1/2 tsp honey
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 5-10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a small bowl, toss the thawed, deveined, and tail-removed shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste until evenly coated.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp, making sure to leave adequate space between each piece to prevent overcrowding. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside in a clean bowl.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced or minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally. If the pan is dry, you can add a small splash of olive oil, but there should still be some residual oil from cooking the shrimp.
- Make the sauce: Add the coconut milk, chili powder, freshly squeezed lime juice, honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste directly into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Combine shrimp with sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring them into the coconut sauce. Allow the shrimp to warm through in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Rest and thicken: Remove the pan from the heat and let the shrimp and sauce sit for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps the sauce thicken further and enhances the flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the creamy coconut shrimp over your choice of whole grains such as rice or quinoa. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for added color and freshness. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the chili powder slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Using fresh lime juice is recommended for the best citrus flavor.
- You can substitute basil with cilantro or parsley if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure even cooking and proper searing.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
