Simple, creamy coconut shrimp and rice dinner that features coconut rice and coconut shrimp. Fresh shrimp is sauteed in coconut milk and lime sauce and served on a bed of sticky coconut rice.
COCONUT SHRIMP
How did I live without coconut rice until now?
You might be shocked at the fact that I JUST NOW discovered coconut rice but it’s true. This month, I’ve made this heavenly, creamy, coconut rice for the very first time.
I’m in love! That’s all I can say and I can’t wait to make it again, and again, and again. It’s very simple to make and goes perfectly in tropical shrimp and chicken dishes. This rice is creamy and sticky with a hint of coconut flavor but not overwhelming as if it was a dessert dish.
After falling in love with coconut rice, I knew the next dish would be a coconut shrimp dish. I’m a sucker for coconut anything and especially shrimp. Pairing my coconut rice with creamy coconut shrimp is the best thing I could have done.
HOW TO MAKE COCONUT RICE:
Making coconut rice is super simple and not much different from making regular rice. I simply substitute part of water for coconut milk while cooking rice.
Use coconut milk in a can (not the drinking coconut milk in a carton.)
For my coconut rice, I use jasmine rice and follow the instructions on the package for the water to rice ratio. If using a different rice, check to see if the recommended water to rice ratio is different.
I treat cooking rice like cooking pasta, I always heat up water first then add rice. So first, combine water and coconut milk in a small pot over medium-high heat. Once it starts to simmer, stir in sugar and salt. Lower the heat to low, add rice. Stir, cover and cook until rice is done. Remember to stir occasionally.
SOME MORE RECIPES TO TRY
Coconut Lime Chicken Drumsticks
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Key Lime Coconut Shrimp and Rice
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk (canned)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 lime (juice) juice only
- 2 tsp sugar
- salt
Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 large lime juice AND zest
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut milk (canned)
- salt
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
- fresh cilantro for topping optional
Instructions
Rice:
- Combine water, lime juice, and coconut milk in a small pot over medium-high heat.
- Once mixture starts to simmer, stir in sugar and salt.
- Lower the heat to low and add rice. Stir, cover, and cook until rice is done. Remember to stir rice occasionally and break up the clumps.
- Once rice is cooked, take off heat right away.
Shrimp:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, sugar, salt and if using, cayenne pepper powder. Mix well and add shrimp. Stir well and let it sit while preheating the pan.
- Preheat a cooking pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a little bit of canola oil to the pan. Take out the shrimp and sear on both sides until opaque.
- Add the coconut mixture that shrimp marinated in to the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two. Take off heat.
- Divide rice among two bowls and top it off with shrimp and sauce.
- Optional: garnish with some fresh cilantro.
Deborah Barrow says
My new favorite shrimp and rice bowl it was awesome. I added mango chunks and grilled red bell pepper. Thank you
LyubaB says
You’re very welcome! I’m thrilled to hear that the shrimp and rice bowl turned out awesome and that you enjoyed it! Adding mango chunks and grilled red bell pepper sounds like a delicious twist to the dish
Emily says
This was the most amazing shrimp I’ve ever made. I’ve been trying different shrimp recipes lately that have been good but this one is PURE HEAVEN. Thank you so much for the recipe and for the tips. Your post was super helpful and I felt so confident making it. It turned out perfectly.
LyubaB says
Aw, thank you, Emily! That is such a nice compliment! I am so glad you liked the recipe and the tips helped you create it.
Julie says
Made this tonight and it was very good. As written, I think the flavor would be good but felt it needed a few additional things for color and crunch. Before cooking the shrimp, I sauteed a julienned red bell pepper and about a dozen asparagus spears cut in 1 inch lengths. I also added 2 cloves minced garlic and about 2 tsp minced ginger and sauteed them with the shrimp. I also cut the sugar in half for the rice and shrimp. Just personal taste. Loved the coconut, lime and cayenne flavors. A very good base recipe to make your own.
Angie Smith says
Hey can u send me a 2lbs coconut lime rice an coconut lime shrimp recipe
LyubaB says
Hi, Angie! You can just double the above recipe 🙂
Olivia says
Can I use a rice cooker?
lyuba says
Hi Olivia!
I actually have never used a rice cooker before. Do you add water to it when you cook rice? I’m not sure it the machine will allow you to add coconut milk in addition to water. If the machine will allow it then I don’t see why not. But I’m not sure where you add water when you use a rice maker. Sorry that I’m not much help!
Joanne Smith says
I just made and ate the Key Lime Coconut Shrimp. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! How can something so easy be so good. Thank you.
lyuba says
Oh, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you, Joanne!
susan says
Sounds sooo yummy! Great summer dish! Can’t wait to try!
lyuba says
Thank you so much, Susan! I hope you will try it soon 🙂