Shrimp Simmered in Creamy Coconut and Dendê Oil Sauce
Succulent shrimp gently cooked in a rich, aromatic sauce of coconut milk and Brazilian palm oil, delivering coastal flavors. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, coconut milk, dendê oil (red palm oil) into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 2 tbsp dendê oil (red palm oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp dendê oil and cook for 1 minute to release its vibrant color and aroma.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp begin to turn pink.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, cooking for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and shrimp are fully cooked.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shrimp Simmered in Creamy Coconut and Dendê Oil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Shrimp Simmered in Creamy Coconut and Dendê Oil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp Simmered in Creamy Coconut and Dendê Oil Sauce?
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 Shrimp Simmered in Creamy Coconut and Dendê Oil Sauce 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 Shrimp Simmered in Creamy Coconut and Dendê Oil Sauce?
Brazilian 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
