Description
Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp brings weeknight ease with a rich savory sauce perfect for home cooks seeking quick craveworthy dinner inspiration
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk, full-fat
1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons cream, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to promote a good sear. Mince the garlic and measure out your paprika and coconut milk. Zest a little lemon if you like a bright note at the end. Pro tip: dry shrimp not only sears better but helps you achieve that glossy, inviting sauce quicker.
- Step 2: Sear the shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, just until opaque and pink. Do not overcook; shrimp go from perfect to rubbery quickly. Remove to a plate and set aside to keep them juicy for the sauce.
- Step 3: Sauté garlic and build aroma. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The garlic should bloom, releasing its aroma without burning.
- Step 4: Introduce paprika and deglaze. Sprinkle in the paprika and red pepper flakes if using. Stir for 15–20 seconds to wake the spices. Pour in the broth (or wine substitute) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. These fond layers carry immense flavor into your sauce.
- Step 5: Create the creamy base. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine with the spice and pan liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a touch more broth or water; for a richer result, whisk in the optional cream gradually.
- Step 6: Return shrimp and finish with brightness. Add the seared shrimp back to the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to rewarm and coat with the sauce. Finish with lemon juice, salt to taste, and a generous handful of chopped parsley. If you used cream, taste and adjust to achieve your preferred silkiness and balance of citrus.
- Step 7: Plate and serve. Transfer to warm plates, spooning extra sauce over the shrimp. A light dusting of paprika and a final squeeze of lemon can finish the dish with a vivid, appetizing appearance. Pair with steamed greens or a quick quinoa, rice, or zucchini noodles to complete the meal.
Notes
Creamy Garlic Paprika Shrimp is a weeknight-friendly seafood dish featuring garlic, paprika, and a silky coconut milk base, ready in under 30 minutes. It balances protein, healthy fats, and bright aromatics for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 260–320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fat: 16–22 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
