Indulge in a tropical delight with this Coconut Lime Shrimp recipe that's as flavorful as it is easy to make! Bursting with fresh ingredients, this dish transforms simple shrimp into a gourmet experience. Learn how to select the perfect shrimp, create a luscious marinade, and present it beautifully over jasmine rice. Click through to uncover all the tips and tricks for making this delicious meal and impress your family and friends!
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup coconut milk, full-fat for creaminess
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from about 1 lime
Zest of 1 lime, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon honey, for sweetness
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to your spice preference
Salt and pepper, freshly ground, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for sautéing
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving, warm
![Shrimp selection and tips for freshness When choosing shrimp, look for large, juicy ones. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. If buying frozen shrimp, check that they are properly sealed. Always choose shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ease. Importance of full-fat coconut milk Full-fat coconut milk is key to a creamy texture. It adds richness and depth to the dish. Avoid low-fat versions, as they won't provide the same luxurious feel. A thick coconut milk makes the sauce silky and satisfying. How fresh lime enhances the dish Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. It adds a zesty kick that balances the creamy coconut. Lime zest also gives a fragrant aroma. Always use fresh limes, as bottled juice lacks the same vibrancy. - 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup coconut milk, full-fat for creaminess - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from about 1 lime - Zest of 1 lime, finely grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon honey, for sweetness - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to your spice preference - Salt and pepper, freshly ground, to taste - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for sautéing - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving, warm Substitutions for common allergens If you're allergic to shellfish, you can use chicken or tofu instead. Both options work well with this sauce. For a nut allergy, ensure the coconut milk is safe for your needs. Optional ingredients for added flavor You can add more spices like curry powder for warmth. Fresh basil or mint can also boost the flavor profile. Try adding sliced bell peppers for a colorful twist. To start, whisk the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Combine one cup of coconut milk, two tablespoons of lime juice, lime zest, two cloves of minced garlic, and one tablespoon of grated ginger. Add one tablespoon of honey, two tablespoons of chopped cilantro, and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything is mixed well. Marination time is key for flavor. You should let the shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper taste, marinate for up to two hours in the fridge. This step helps the shrimp soak up all the zesty flavors. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of vegetable oil, and wait until it shimmers. This means it’s ready. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet, but reserve the marinade in the bowl. Cook the shrimp for about two to three minutes on one side until they turn pink. Then, flip the shrimp and let them cook for an extra one to two minutes. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. After the shrimp are cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for another two to three minutes. This helps thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining chopped cilantro. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. To serve, put jasmine rice on each plate. Spoon the coconut lime shrimp over the rice and drizzle the sauce on top. For a nice touch, add some fresh cilantro as garnish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your delicious meal! To adjust spice levels, start small. Use less red pepper flakes. Taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away. If you want heat, consider adding fresh chopped chili or hot sauce. Balancing sweetness with honey is key. Honey adds a nice touch. If you find the dish too sweet, reduce the honey next time. You can also swap honey for a touch of lime juice. This gives a nice tang. To achieve the best sear, heat your skillet properly. Use medium-high heat and enough oil. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and brown nicely. Do not overcrowd the pan. This ensures the shrimp sear instead of steam. Fresh herbs can elevate flavors. Cilantro adds brightness. You can also try basil or parsley. Add herbs at the end of cooking. This keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. For visual appeal, garnish well. Use fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. A sprinkle of lime zest adds color and flavor. Use a shallow bowl to serve the shrimp. This allows the sauce to shine. For special occasions, serve with jasmine rice. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables. This creates a colorful plate. A beautiful dish makes a meal feel fancy. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions. {{image_4}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into small pieces for quick cooking. Tofu works well too. Choose firm tofu and press it to remove excess water. Cooking times will differ. For chicken, cook for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Tofu only needs about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust your cooking time to ensure everything is safe to eat. Want to jazz up your dish? Add fruits like pineapple or mango. They pair beautifully with coconut and lime. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also experiment with spices and herbs. Try adding basil, cilantro, or mint for a fresh twist. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can add depth. Don't be afraid to mix and match flavors! Making this dish gluten-free is simple. Just ensure your sauces and oils are labeled gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, this recipe is already perfect as it uses coconut milk. If you want to lower carbs, skip the jasmine rice. Serve the shrimp over zoodles or cauliflower rice instead. For a paleo diet, this dish fits well. Stick to fresh ingredients and avoid any processed items. For the Full Recipe, check back to ensure you have all the steps! Store your leftover Coconut Lime Shrimp in airtight containers. Glass containers work best, as they do not retain odors. Use plastic containers if glass is not available. Keep the shrimp in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat without losing texture, use a skillet. Heat a bit of oil over low heat. Add the shrimp and sauce, stirring gently until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the shrimp rubbery. For flavor, add a splash of fresh lime juice while reheating. To freeze, place shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent clumping. You can freeze for up to three months. To thaw, move the shrimp to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the bag under cold running water. To devein shrimp, start with a sharp knife. 1. Hold the shrimp in your hand. 2. Make a shallow cut along the back. 3. Use the knife to lift out the dark vein. 4. Rinse the shrimp under cold water. 5. Repeat these steps for all shrimp. This method ensures you remove the vein easily. It helps keep the shrimp clean and tasty. Shrimp should be marinated for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, I suggest marinating up to 2 hours. Too long can make shrimp mushy. So, check the time and enjoy great taste! Yes, you can easily make Coconut Lime Shrimp spicy. - Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade. - Try chopped fresh chili peppers for a kick. To balance heat, add extra honey. This helps to keep the flavor sweet and tasty. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste. Coconut Lime Shrimp is a simple dish with rich flavors. We discussed selecting fresh shrimp, using full-fat coconut milk, and the bright taste of lime. I offered tips for marinating, cooking, and serving this meal with jasmine rice. Remember, play with spice levels and add fruits for variation. Store leftovers properly to keep them tasty. Enjoy creating a delightful dish that can impress anyone. You now have the tools to make this a favorite recipe.](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9c5665a1-cc69-4b8b-a51c-9c5d69f32569-250x250.webp)