Spicy Lemongrass Shrimp Coconut Rice (Print Version)
Aromatic shrimp with lemongrass and spices served over creamy coconut rice. A vibrant Southeast Asian dish ready in 45 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ For the Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 2 stalks lemongrass, tender inner part finely minced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red chili, finely chopped or 1 tsp chili flakes
05 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
06 - 2 tbsp fish sauce
07 - 1 tbsp lime juice
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
10 - ¼ tsp salt
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ For the Coconut Rice
12 - 1½ cups jasmine rice, rinsed
13 - 1 cup coconut milk, full-fat
14 - 1 cup water
15 - ½ tsp salt
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
18 - Extra sliced chili, optional
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine shrimp, lemongrass, garlic, chili, ginger, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly and let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
04 - While rice cooks, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange marinated shrimp in a single layer without crowding. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
05 - Divide fragrant coconut rice among serving plates. Arrange spicy lemongrass shrimp on top of the rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, additional sliced chili if desired, and lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The shrimp stay impossibly juicy while soaking up all those aromatic flavors
- Coconut rice turns ordinary weeknight dinner into something that feels special
- The whole thing comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and sad, pull them from the heat the moment they turn pink
- Lemongrass can be tough, mince it very finely or pound it in a mortar and pestle first
- The rice continues cooking as it rests, so do not be tempted to lift that lid early
03 -
- Pat the shrimp very dry before marinating if they seem wet, excess water creates steam instead of sear
- Toast the rice in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding liquids for an even nuttier coconut rice