20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk Recipe

If weeknight dinners have been feeling a little dull lately, you absolutely need to treat yourself to this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk. It’s a game-changing, flavor-packed meal that feels as tropical as it is comforting—and it comes together before you can even finish a song on your favorite playlist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk is just how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something bright and luxurious. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need, with a few tips sprinkled in for extra flavor and ease.

• Jumbo Shrimp (1 ½ lbs, raw, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! Large shrimp stay juicy and absorb all the sauce’s flavors beautifully.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for building flavor at every stage—don’t skip seasoning the shrimp.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup + 2 tbsp for salsa): Adds richness and helps everything caramelize; reserve a bit for the mango salsa for the silkiest texture.
• Garlic (6 cloves, finely chopped): Fresh garlic infuses the shrimp and sauce with a punchy, sweet savoriness.
• Fresh Ginger (1 inch, grated or 1 tsp dried): Lends a gentle warmth and balance to the sweet honey and coconut.
• Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp, optional): A touch for those who like it spicy, but you can easily leave it out.
• Jalapeños (2, seeded and chopped): Adds fresh heat and crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salted Butter (4 tbsp): Creates a dreamy sauce base when combined with honey, garlic, and coconut milk.
• Canned Coconut Milk (¾ cup): Look for full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, richest sauce possible.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Gives the dish umami depth and balances the sweetness.
• Honey (3 tbsp): The honey caramelizes with butter and adds that signature glossy, sweet sticky touch.
• Lime Zest and Juice (from 1 lime): Brightens the whole dish and highlights each layer of flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro or Basil (¼ cup, chopped): These herbs add vibrant green color and a fresh burst right before serving.
• Mango or Pineapple (1 mango or 2 cups pineapple chunks): For the salsa—choose whichever fruit calls to you for a pop of sweetness!
• Jalapeño (1, seeded and chopped for salsa): More gentle heat and color in every bite of salsa.
• Lime Juice (for salsa): Freshly squeezed makes all the difference, tying the whole dish together.
• Cilantro (½ cup, roughly chopped for salsa): Loads of fresh flavor that complements the shrimp and sauce perfectly.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to give this recipe your own personal spin! With flexible ingredients and a forgiving sauce, 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk is ridiculously easy to adjust for your cravings, pantry, or dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Try scallops, chunks of firm white fish, or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
• Go Extra Spicy (or Mild): Leave in the jalapeño seeds and up the cayenne, or omit the heat entirely for a gentler version.
• Switch Up the Salsa: Use pineapple, papaya, or peaches for the fruit in your salsa, or skip it for a classic slaw instead.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens instead of regular rice for a lighter meal.

How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp super dry with paper towels—this makes all the difference for that gorgeous sear. Then toss them generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t underestimate this part: seasoning now means big flavor later!

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Get your skillet nice and hot with extra virgin olive oil. Cook the shrimp in a single layer, about 2 minutes per side, until they turn blush pink. This quick sear locks in their juices and sets the stage for all the saucy goodness coming up.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat just a little and add in your garlic, ginger, cayenne (if you like heat), chopped jalapeños, and butter. Stir and let it all sizzle until the garlic edges turn golden and everything smells completely irresistible—about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer in Coconut Milk

Pour in that luscious coconut milk, soy sauce, and honey. Stir everything together and let it all bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes—you’ll see the sauce turn creamy, glossy, and deeply fragrant. Finally, remove from the heat and stir in lime zest, juice, and fresh chopped cilantro or basil.

Step 5: Make the Mango (or Pineapple) Salsa

Toss together diced mango or pineapple, jalapeño, olive oil, lime juice, and more cilantro in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt. This salsa is such a bright, tangy, and sweet finishing touch for the shrimp!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the shrimp and all that coconut honey garlic butter sauce over a bed of steaming rice. Top with generous scoops of salsa, a flurry of fresh herbs, and get ready to swoon. That’s your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk—done!

How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Garnishes

Shower your finished dish with extra chopped cilantro or basil, freshly grated lime zest, and slices of jalapeño or red chili for a pop of color and heat. Even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes makes it look and taste truly special—don’t hold back with those finishing touches!

Side Dishes

Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is classic, but this shrimp and sauce are just as dreamy with coconut rice, quinoa, or even soft, warm flatbread for soaking up every last drop. A light cucumber salad or simple sautéed greens round out the meal for something fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, pile everything high in shallow bowls and let the colors shine. Serving as small bites? Try the shrimp and salsa in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. Or, serve family-style straight from the skillet with a big spoonful of salsa on top—simple, stunning, and so inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will continue to soak up that luscious sauce, making leftovers almost as crave-worthy as the first bite!

Freezing

While you can freeze the coconut-laced sauce by itself, shrimp are best enjoyed fresh since their texture can become rubbery after thawing. If you do want to freeze, separate the sauce from the shrimp and combine after reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce together on the stovetop over low heat, just until warmed through. Try not to let the shrimp boil—or they’ll toughen! If things look a little thick, add a splash of coconut milk to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Sneaking a little vacation into your everyday is as simple as making this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk. It’s easy, it’s vibrant, and it’s guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing and your tastebuds will be thanking you!

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