Smoky Coconut Citronella Shrimp Stir Fry
A vibrant stir fry featuring plump shrimp and crisp vegetables infused with smoky coconut and a hint of citronella-inspired zest. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, coconut oil, finely minced fresh lemongrass stalk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1, finely minced fresh lemongrass stalk
- 3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp, for garnish chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 finely minced lemongrass stalk and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 julienned carrot, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring well to coat and cook for 1 more minute until heated through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Coconut Citronella Shrimp Stir Fry take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Smoky Coconut Citronella Shrimp Stir Fry?
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 oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Coconut Citronella Shrimp Stir Fry?
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 Smoky Coconut Citronella Shrimp Stir Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Smoky Coconut Citronella Shrimp Stir Fry?
Asian Fusion stir fry 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.
