Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
creamy coconut shrimp coconut sauce.

Creamy Coconut Shrimp (Dairy-Free Recipe)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 2 reviews

For a quick weeknight dinner that takes less than 30 minutes to make, try this recipe for Creamy Coconut Shrimp with a flavorful dairy-free sauce. This easy skillet recipe is a family favorite that is so versatile. Serve the creamy shrimp with cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (if using frozen, defrost completely before using)
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Cooked rice, sauteed cauliflower rice, or cooked noodles (optional, for serving)
  • Green onions, sliced (for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the shrimp to the other side and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the shrimp have curled up and are opaque in color.
  3. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate.
  4. Then, pour in the coconut milk and lime juice to the skillet. Turn the heat to high to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Whisk in the cornstarch, sugar, ginger, salt, and pepper.
  6. When the mixture start to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken.
  7. Turn off the heat and carefully add the cooked shrimp to the sauce. Stir to coat the shrimp and serve over your choice of cooked rice, sautéed cauliflower rice, or cooked noodles.
  8. Sprinkle the top with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

  1. You can buy fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using frozen, place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight to thaw completely before using. Rinse and drain the defrosted shrimp before using (to get rid of any excess liquid). I prefer to buy frozen shrimp for the best price (as opposed to fresh). Look for bags of frozen shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. My personal preference is to use shrimp with the tails off.
  2. You can use lite coconut milk, but the dish will not be as flavorful.
  3. You can use coconut cream, but you will need to thin out the sauce with about ¼ cup of water.
  4. This recipe calls for large-sized shrimp. You can also use medium size, but you’ll need to reduce the overall cooking time so that the shrimp doesn’t get overcooked.
  5. For sugar-free diets, feel free to leave out the sugar.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 261
  • Sugar: 2.6 g
  • Sodium: 551.9 mg
  • Fat: 16.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7.8 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 24.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 182.5 mg