Sautéed Shrimp in Coconut Milk with Chili and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and creamy Filipino seafood dish where shrimp are cooked gently in coconut milk with aromatic garlic and a hint of chili heat. This filipino-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, coconut milk, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and thinly slice 5 garlic cloves. Dice 1 small onion and thinly slice 2 small red chili peppers, removing seeds for less heat if desired.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic, diced onion, and chili slices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions soften.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until shrimp are cooked through and sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp in Coconut Milk with Chili and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Shrimp in Coconut Milk with Chili and Garlic?

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 coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp in Coconut Milk with Chili and Garlic?

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 Sautéed Shrimp in Coconut Milk with Chili and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Sautéed Shrimp in Coconut Milk with Chili and Garlic?

Filipino 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.

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