Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Lemongrass
Juicy shrimp coated in toasted coconut and aromatic lemongrass, served with a tangy lime-cucumber sauce. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 28 minutes pairs shrimp, coconut flakes, stalks lemongrass for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shrimp
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and devein shrimp, then pat dry. Season with salt and black pepper. Pound lemongrass stalks to release oils, then finely mince 1 stalk. Mix minced lemongrass with 2 tbsp neutral oil and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Dredge shrimp in lemongrass oil mixture, then coat evenly in coconut flakes, pressing gently to adhere. Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Blend cucumber, lime juice, garlic, yogurt, and 1 tbsp water in a blender until smooth. Serve shrimp immediately with sauce drizzled over top, ensuring sauce coats each piece.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Lemongrass take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Lemongrass?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Lemongrass?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Lemongrass for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Lemongrass?
Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.