Tropical Coconut Shrimp Delight
Indulge in the rich, tropical flavors of Tropical Coconut Shrimp Delight, a sweet and creamy shrimp dish that’s perfect as an appetizer for any seafood feast. This recipe captures the essence of Chef Lin's Chinese Buffet in Chattanooga, TN, where I first fell in love with this dish. The succulent jumbo shrimp are sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a luscious sauce made with coconut milk, heavy cream, and a hint of amaretto liqueur. Serve this delightful dish alongside steamed crab legs and lobster for an unforgettable seafood experience that is sure to impress guests. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just craving something special, this quick and easy recipe, ready in under 30 minutes, will bring the taste of the tropics to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Jumbo Shrimp
1 lb (Peeled and deveined)
Green Onion
1 (Chopped)
Amaretto Liqueur
1 tablespoon (None)
Coconut Milk
1/2 cup (None)
Heavy Cream
1/4 cup (None)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (Or to taste)
Coconut Extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Carefully add the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp to the pan, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and slightly caramelized.
3
Stir in the chopped green onion and cautiously add the amaretto liqueur, allowing it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes while the shrimp continue to caramelize.
4
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate.
5
In the same pan, add the heavy cream, coconut milk, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens and is reduced by half, about 5-8 minutes.
6
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the coconut extract and vanilla extract. Stir well and let simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7
Serve hot as an appetizer or alongside your favorite seafood dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Coconut Shrimp Delight?
It is a sweet and creamy shrimp appetizer featuring tropical flavors of coconut and vanilla, inspired by Chef Lin's Chinese Buffet.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This quick and easy recipe can be prepared and ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Where did the inspiration for this dish come from?
The recipe is inspired by a dish served at Chef Lin's Chinese Buffet in Chattanooga, TN.
What size of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before starting the sautéing process.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the shrimp.
How long should I sauté the shrimp initially?
Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and become slightly caramelized.
When should the green onions be added?
Stir in the chopped green onion after the shrimp have cooked for about 2-3 minutes.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of amaretto liqueur to add a unique hint of flavor.
What are the liquid components of the sauce?
The creamy sauce is made using 1/2 cup of coconut milk and 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
How much sugar is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
How do I thicken the coconut sauce?
Bring the mixture of cream, coconut milk, and sugar to a simmer and stir until it reduces by half.
How long does it take to reduce the sauce?
The reduction process typically takes between 5 to 8 minutes over medium heat.
When are the extracts added to the dish?
Coconut and vanilla extracts are added at the very end, once the shrimp are returned to the reduced sauce.
How much coconut extract should I use?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of coconut extract to enhance the tropical flavor.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the sauce for additional depth and sweetness.
Can I use a wok to cook this?
Yes, you can use either a large frying pan or a wok to prepare the shrimp and sauce.
What is the final step before serving?
After adding the extracts, let the mixture simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring well.
Is this dish served as a main course or an appetizer?
It is primarily served as a sweet and creamy appetizer, but it can also be a side for a seafood feast.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It pairs exceptionally well with steamed crab legs and lobster.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 ingredients: olive oil, shrimp, green onion, amaretto, coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, coconut extract, and vanilla extract.
What heat setting should be used for the shrimp?
The shrimp should be sautéed over medium-high heat.
How do I know the olive oil is hot enough?
The oil is ready when it begins to shimmer in the pan.
Why are the shrimp removed from the pan during the sauce reduction?
Removing the shrimp prevents them from overcooking and becoming rubbery while the sauce thickens.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, its impressive flavor profile and quick preparation make it perfect for entertaining guests.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich, luscious, and creamy due to the reduction of heavy cream and coconut milk.
How many servings does this provide?
While not specified, 1 lb of shrimp typically serves 2-4 people as an appetizer.
Can I substitute the sugar?
The recipe calls for sugar 'to taste,' so you can use your preferred sweetener or adjust the amount.
Is the coconut flavor very strong?
The combination of coconut milk and coconut extract provides a distinct but balanced tropical flavor.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
This dish is best enjoyed and served hot immediately after the final simmer.