How to Make Coconut Shrimp Sauce from Scratch

How to Make Coconut Shrimp Sauce -  Coconut Shrimp Sauce is creamy, tropical tasting dip, which goes perfectly with fried shrimp. This sauce is made using a combination of coconut milk, sweet chili, lime juice and a dash of garlic providing a full-bodied citrus and gently sweet and sour flavor. Its smooth texture compliments the crunchiness of the fried shrimp to make it very delicious. A Coconut Shrimp Sauce goes well on party appetizers or platter foods to enhance the taste of seafood meals. It also makes a good glaze or drizzle over grilled shrimp, and other shellfish. This sauce is universally enjoyed by many since the delicate notes of the island cooking are captured in one spoonful.


How to Make Coconut Shrimp Sauce

A homemade Coconut Shrimp Sauce is awesomely good to accompany freshly crispy fried shrimp, grilled seafood, or even to use as a dipping sauce on appetizers. The sauce is tangy, and sweet, creamy, and easy to make and tastes great. The steps to follow in order to prepare an excellent and tasty coconut shrimp sauce are outlined below.

Ingredients (Makes about 1 cup)

QuantityIngredient
½ cupCoconut milk (full-fat, unsweetened)
¼ cupSweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbspLime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tspSoy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tspHoney or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 cloveGarlic (minced or grated)
½ tspGinger (freshly grated)
½ tspSriracha or red chili flakes (adjust for heat)
1 tbspFresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
¼ tspSalt (or to taste)
1 tspCornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Chop the ginger and thinly slice the garlic.

  • Squeeze the lime (approximately 1 tbsp).

  • In case cornstarch (thicker sauce) is used, mix it in slurry 1 tsp of water.

2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan

  • In a little saucepan put:

    • Coconut milk

    • Sweet chili sauce

    • Lime juice

    • Soy sauce

    • Honey (or sugar)

    • Minced garlic

    • Grated ginger

    • Sriracha/chili flakes

    • Salt

  • Make sure that you mix well with the whisk.

3. Simmer the Sauce

  • Heat the mix on a medium-low temperature with constant stirring.

  • Bring it to a simmer, which takes 3-4 minutes to thicken somewhat.

  • In case you want it less on the thin side, add cornstarch slurry and continue simmering for 1-2 min.

4. Adjust Seasoning

  • Taste and adjust:

    • Sweetness (add some honey/sugar, as required).

    • Tang (more lime juice).

    • Spicy (Add more Sriracha or chili flakes).

    • Salty (salt or soy sauce more).

5. Finish & Serve

  • Cook off the heat and mix in the chopped cilantro (if desired).

  • Write 10 let cool slightly before serving (it will thicken further as it cools).

  • Warm or at room temperature with coconut shrimp, crispy seafood or as a dipping sauce.

Storage Tips

  • Keep in an air tight container up to 5 days in the fridge.

  • Re-heat over the hob or under the micro- wave (a little of water, otherwise will be too thick).

Variations & Tips

  1. Creamier Version - Pour in 1-2 tbsp of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to be extra creamy.

  2. Add-on Heat - Put in more Sriracha or minced jalapeño.

  3. Citrus Twist- Use orange Juice instead of lime to obtain a sweeter flavor.

  4. Herb Boost - Spring with mint or Thai basil.

  5. To make a Chunky Texture- Put a lot of red bell pepper and pineapple which have been chopped up finely.

This delicious Coconut Shrimp Sauce can be used in many ways. Have it with your favorite seafood!  �🍤

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