This article guides you through making Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Noodles step by step. You’ll read the backstory behind the dish, see a clear ingredient list, follow easy cooking directions, and find answers to common questions. The result is a creamy, satisfying meal packed with shrimp flavor and coconut richness.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
How Coconut Shrimp Became a Comfort Favorite
I first whipped up this creamy coconut shrimp recipe after a weekend trip where I tasted coconut curry at a beachside cafe. I knew I wanted that flavor comfort in my home kitchen. I had shrimp, coconut milk, garlic, and noodles ready. The kitchen filled with a warm aroma, and by the time dinner was ready, every single bite felt like a cozy escape. Since then, Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Noodles has been my go-to for a comforting weeknight meal.
This dish delivers that same creamy garlic shrimp goodness you love in our 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp but with a coconut twist that makes it feel indulgent without extra effort.
Why Coconut and Garlic Make It Irresistible
Coconut milk adds a light, sweet creaminess that balances perfectly with sautéed garlic. Instead of heavy cream, coconut milk gives a silky sauce and a gentle tropical note. Garlic noodles soak up that coconut sauce, making every bite flavorful and aromatic. It’s easy to see why garlic and creamy coconut flavors pair so well—like garlic butter in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes, this combo is winning in multiple dishes.
Ingredients & Easy Prep
What You’ll Need for Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Noodles
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz garlic noodles (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 tsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onion for garnish
If you enjoy creamy garlic-based dishes, you’ll love the noodles here just as much as we love our Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls—same bold garlic but with a creamy coconut twist.
Prep Tips for Quick, Flavorful Cooking
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Have everything within reach before you start cooking—shrimp, garlic, butter, naan milk—because shrimp cook fast. A quick one-pan cook is all you need before stirring everything together.
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Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy coconut shrimp with garlic noodles is a cozy, one‑pan meal loaded with shrimp and rich coconut sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz garlic noodles
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- 2 tsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Cook noodles until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet; sauté garlic (and ginger) until fragrant.
- Add shrimp; cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp.
- Pour coconut milk into pan, stir to combine with browned bits.
- Add noodles and lime juice; toss to coat.
- Return shrimp to pan; toss again gently.
- Season to taste; garnish and serve hot.
Notes
For extra brightness, add fresh lime wedges. Use light coconut milk for fewer calories. Customize noodles with veggies for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: creamy coconut shrimp, garlic noodles, shrimp coconut noodles, one‑pan shrimp dinner
How to Cook It Right
Sauté Shrimp & Garlic for Delicious Flavor
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium–high heat. Add garlic (and ginger, if using) and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Coconut Garlic Sauce on Noodles
In the same pan, pour in coconut milk and stir, scraping up browned bits from cooking shrimp. Add lime juice, stir the cooked noodles in, then return shrimp to the pan. Mix everything gently so noodles get coated in the creamy coconut garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro or green onion, and serve warm.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw and pat them thoroughly before cooking to keep the sauce creamy, not watery.
Can I swap noodles?
Rice noodles, udon, or gluten-free pasta work great. Just adjust cook time accordingly.
Is coconut milk necessary?
Yes—it gives the rich coconut flavor and creamy texture. Light coconut milk works, too, if you want fewer calories.
How long can leftovers stay fresh?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove—add a little water or extra coconut milk if it thickened too much.
Conclusion
Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Noodles packs big flavor into a single pot. It’s creamy, garlicky, and infused with coconut richness that feels indulgent yet light. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, it pairs well with steamed veggies or a simple green salad. And if you adore creamy, garlic-forward meals, check out our Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls—another easy recipe that delivers bold flavor fast.