Coconut Lemon Shrimp
Coconut Lemon Shrimp
Coconut Lemon Shrimp is a Caribbean recipe categorized as dinner, main course, with 15 min of prep, 15 min of cooking, and 30 min total. It yields 4 servings.
Coconut Lemon Shrimp combines large shrimp, unsweetened coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, and finely grated lemon zest using pan-searing.
Mealtime: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean
Dietary Preferences: Pescatarian
Cooking Time: 30-Minute Meal
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Seasonal Preference: Summer BBQ
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Calories | 420 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 810 mg |
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450g)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (0.5g)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (15mL)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (15g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (6g)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk (180mL)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30mL)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (2g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15mL)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (15mL)
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar (8g)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3g)
- 1 tablespoon water (15mL)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (8g)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plate
Step by Step Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry and season them with the kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until just opaque and 145°F (63°C); transfer them to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the ginger and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the coconut milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Whisk the cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry, stir it into the coconut sauce, and simmer for about 1 minute, until it lightly coats a spoon.
- Return the shrimp and their juices and turn them through the sauce for no more than 1 minute.
- Remove the Coconut Lemon Shrimp from the heat, finish with the cilantro, and serve with the lime wedges.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Replace fish sauce with 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce plus 1 teaspoon lime juice.
- Replace full-fat coconut milk with equal-volume light coconut milk and reduce slightly longer.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the ginger for gentle heat.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Within two hours of cooking, divide leftover Coconut Lemon Shrimp into shallow portions and refrigerate them in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days; freeze sooner if they will not be used in that window.
Reheating
Reheat Coconut Lemon Shrimp gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a small splash of water, broth, or the original sauce to protect its moisture. Turn or stir carefully, stop as soon as the leftovers reach 165°F (74°C), and serve immediately to limit overcooking.
Practical Cooking Notes
paper towels, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring tools, small bowl, whisk, large skillet, tongs, instant-read thermometer.
Fish should reach 145°F (63°C); the flesh should look opaque and separate easily at its thickest point.
Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: 30 minutes. Timing reflects the listed method; begin checking at the recipe's objective doneness cue.
Cooking Questions & Helpful Tips
How do I prevent rubbery shrimp?
Dry the shrimp, use a hot skillet, remove them when they reach 145°F (63°C), and return them only for the final minute after the coconut sauce thickens.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Combine the coconut milk, lemon juice and zest, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar up to one day ahead. Refrigerate it separately from the raw shrimp and add the ginger and garlic while cooking.
What can replace fish sauce?
Replace the 1 tablespoon fish sauce with 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce plus 1 teaspoon lime juice. The sauce will be less briny but remain balanced.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes. Replace the coconut milk with an equal amount of light coconut milk and simmer it 1 to 2 minutes longer before adding the slurry.