When it comes to meal prepping, nothing beats a dish that’s creamy, bold, and comes together in less than 20 minutes. Say hello to Creamy Coconut Shrimp. This recipe brings the richness of coconut milk, the sweetness of shrimp, and the savoriness of garlic and mushrooms, all in one quick and dreamy skillet
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Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 274mg | Sodium: 505mg | Potassium: 842mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 508IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 3mg
Why You’ll Love This Meal Prep Recipe:
- Quick & Easy – Done in under 20 minutes, so you can meal prep even on your busiest day.
- Budget-Friendly – Simple pantry staples like onions, garlic, and coconut milk keep costs low while delivering major flavor.
- Protein-Packed – Shrimp is lean, filling, and gives you a solid protein boost to power through your day.
- Global Flavors – Creamy coconut meets savory garlic and paprika—this combo is bold, unique, and anything but boring.
- Versatile Serving Options – Pair it with rice for a comforting meal or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Stays delicious for up to 2-3 days in the fridge, reheats like a dream, and keeps your lunch exciting.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Skip the takeout! This dish feels like something you’d order at a tropical café, but it’s homemade and healthier.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this dish—juicy, lean, and cooks in just minutes. It’s the ultimate protein for busy meal preppers because it delivers that satisfying bite while soaking up bold flavors from the sauce.
- White Onions : These bring a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the base. When sautéed, they soften and mellow out, creating a flavorful foundation that ties the dish together.
- Green Onions: Green onions add freshness and a pop of color. Their mild sharpness balances the richness of the coconut milk, and they double up as a garnish to keep the dish looking vibrant.
- Roma Tomato: Tomatoes add a juicy, tangy sweetness that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. They also bring a bit of acidity, which balances the richness of shrimp and coconut milk perfectly.
- Garlic: Garlic is the flavor powerhouse here. It infuses the oil and vegetables with a savory, aromatic punch that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Coconut Milk: This is where the creaminess comes in. Coconut milk creates a silky, rich sauce that feels indulgent but is still light compared to heavy cream. It also gives the dish its subtle tropical vibe.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms add umami—that savory, “meaty” flavor that makes plant-based foods feel hearty. They soak up the coconut milk sauce and pair beautifully with shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Paprika: Paprika gives a warm, smoky depth that elevates the mild flavors of shrimp and coconut milk without overpowering them. Plus, it adds a little color to the dish.
- Black Pepper: Pepper adds just enough spice and earthiness to balance the creaminess of the sauce and bring out the flavors of the shrimp
How to Make Creamy Coconut Shrimp
- Heat your pan: Place a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm up for about 30 seconds so it coats the pan evenly
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced white onions, green onions, tomato, and minced garlic to the hot pan. Stir frequently and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the onions look soft and slightly translucent, and the garlic smells fragrant.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer so they cook evenly. Stir them around for 2 minutes until they start turning pink but are not fully cooked yet.
- Make it creamy: Pour in the coconut milk and sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together so the shrimp are coated in the sauce. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque (completely pink and no longer gray).
- Add the mushrooms: Toss in the pre-cooked sliced mushrooms. Stir them into the sauce and let everything simmer together for about 1 more minute so the flavors combine.
- Finish & serve: Remove from the heat, sprinkle with extra green onions, and enjoy over rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Meal Prep Pairing Tips and Substitutions:
- Base: Serve with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or brown rice.
- Veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli—or swap mushrooms for zucchini or snap peas.
- Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Flavor: Brighten with lime, spice it up with curry paste/chili, or change it up with smoked paprika.
- Storage: Store 3–4 days in airtight containers, reheat gently with a splash of liquid, and keep bases separate
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them first (overnight in the fridge or under cold water for 10–15 minutes) and pat them dry before cooking so they don’t water down the sauce.
What can I serve it with besides rice?
Try cauliflower rice, quinoa, zoodles, or even steamed veggies like broccoli for a lighter option.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add chili flakes, sriracha, or red curry paste to kick up the heat.
Creamy Coconut Milk
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
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