Coconut Shrimp and Squash Delight with Cilantro Lime Rice
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Coconut Shrimp and Squash Delight, a comforting and aromatic bowl of goodness inspired by a popular recipe from Cooking Light. This hearty dish combines succulent shrimp and tender butternut squash simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk broth, enhanced with the zesty brightness of fresh lime juice and fragrant cilantro. The addition of red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch, making each bite a delightful experience. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe can easily be adapted for chicken or tofu, catering to various dietary preferences. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a wholesome, satisfying dish that delights the senses and warms the soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup (Measured)
brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (Measured)
salt
1 teaspoon (Measured)
tomato paste
2 teaspoons (Measured)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
light coconut milk
14 ounces (1 can) (Canned)
butternut squash
2 cups (Cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
red bell pepper
1 cup (Julienned)
large shrimp
1 lb (Peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise)
hot cooked basmati rice
2 cups (Cooked)
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (Squeezed)
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the fat-free low-sodium chicken broth, brown sugar, salt, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and light coconut milk. Whisk until well blended.
2
Add the butternut squash cubes and julienned red bell pepper to the broth mixture, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the squash is tender but not mushy.
4
Gently stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture back to a boil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the hot cooked basmati rice, fresh lime juice, and minced cilantro until evenly combined. Heat for an additional 2 minutes if necessary.
6
Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired, and enjoy the colorful and flavorful medley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut Shrimp and Squash Delight?
It is a comforting and aromatic dish featuring shrimp and butternut squash simmered in a creamy coconut milk broth, served with cilantro lime rice.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a popular dish from Cooking Light, known for its vibrant flavors and healthy profile.
Can I use a protein other than shrimp?
Yes, this recipe is highly adaptable and can easily be made using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp.
What kind of rice is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using fluffy basmati rice, which complements the coconut broth and lime flavors perfectly.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The butternut squash should be peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes to ensure it cooks evenly within 10 minutes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses fat-free low-sodium broth and light coconut milk, making it a wholesome and nutrient-dense meal.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and are cooked through, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes of boiling.
What can I use instead of red bell pepper?
You can substitute yellow or orange bell peppers for a similar sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Can I use full-fat coconut milk?
While the recipe calls for light coconut milk to keep it lower in fat, you can use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier broth.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted according to your preference.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice to provide a zesty brightness to the broth.
Should the rice be cooked before adding it to the saucepan?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 cups of hot cooked basmati rice, which is stirred in at the end of the cooking process.
How do I prepare the shrimp for this recipe?
The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise before being added to the broth.
What is the purpose of tomato paste in this broth?
The tomato paste adds depth of flavor and a slight acidity that balances the sweetness of the coconut milk and brown sugar.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen butternut squash cubes can be used to save time; just ensure they are cooked until tender.
What does 'julienned' mean for the bell pepper?
Julienned means cutting the pepper into long, thin matchstick-like strips.
How long does the squash need to simmer?
The squash should simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until it is tender but not mushy.
Can I substitute the chicken broth for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely, you can use a low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you are making a tofu version.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with extra fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes, though the texture will be heartier and more nutty compared to the delicate nature of basmati rice.
Is there a lot of salt in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and low-sodium broth, but you can adjust the salt to suit your dietary needs.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time and add the shrimp and rice just before serving.
What kind of coconut milk is used?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of light coconut milk.
What is the role of brown sugar in the recipe?
A small amount of brown sugar (1 1/2 teaspoons) helps balance the spicy and savory notes of the broth.
Can I use dried cilantro?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for its bright flavor, but you can use dried cilantro if fresh is unavailable.
Is this dish more like a soup or a stir-fry?
It is more like a hearty, creamy soup or stew that is served over or mixed with rice.
How many cups of squash are needed?
You will need 2 cups of butternut squash cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end just to warm through to avoid a rubbery texture.
How long does it take to make this from start to finish?
Preparation and cooking should take roughly 20 to 25 minutes once your rice is ready.
Is it gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your chicken broth and tomato paste to be sure.