Oh, hi there! Come on in, the kitchen’s a bit of a mess, but that just means good things are happening, right? Today, I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s become a real lifesaver in our house: One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp. I remember the first time I made this, I was scrambling for a quick dinner after a particularly long day at work. The kids were hangry (you know that feeling, right?), and I needed something fast, flavorful, and, most importantly, something everyone would actually eat.
I had some shrimp in the freezer and decided to experiment, throwing in some coconut milk instead of cream to make it dairy-free for my sister when she visits. Honestly, I didn’t expect much, but that first bite? Wow. The creamy garlic sauce with the perfectly cooked shrimp was just heavenly. Even my picky eaters were raving about it! Since then, One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp has become a regular on our dinner rotation.
There was that one time, though, when I got distracted by a phone call and completely scorched the garlic. The whole house smelled like burnt something-or-other, and we ended up ordering pizza! But hey, we’ve all been there, right? The beauty of this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is that it’s incredibly forgiving. Even with a few minor mishaps, it always turns out delicious. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pan cooking method. I’ve truly perfected this over the years.
This dish fits perfectly into our busy family life. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a relaxed weekend, I know I can whip up a batch of One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp in no time. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I love that it’s relatively healthy too. This is one of those recipes I think you are just going to love!
Now, enough chit-chat. Let’s get cooking! I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp is. I am excited to share my tricks with you!
Ingredients for One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to maximizing the flavor of this dish. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon dairy-free butter (I always use Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter for my One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp – it adds the perfect richness!)
When making One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp, you can usually find good quality shrimp at your local grocery store’s seafood counter. I always try to buy wild-caught shrimp when it’s available, as I think it has a better flavor and texture. Also, fresh garlic is a MUST. The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same punch, you know?
Here’s a One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp trick I learned from my mother: if you want an even stronger garlic flavor, smash the garlic cloves with the side of your knife before mincing them. This releases more of the garlic’s oils and intensifies the taste. Speaking of saving time, I sometimes buy shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined, especially on those extra-busy nights. It’s a little more expensive, but it saves a ton of time!
To save money, buy shrimp when it’s on sale and freeze it. It thaws quickly in a bowl of cold water. For leftover parsley, I wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the fridge – this helps it stay fresh for longer. You can also freeze leftover garlic cloves! Peel them, pop them in a freezer bag, and use them as needed. They might lose a little of their intensity, but they’re still great for cooking. Remember, if you are ever looking for a dish with lots of garlic, check out this fantastic recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
How to Make One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is incredibly easy to follow!
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear! Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t worry if your One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp prep feels a little messy – that’s just part of the fun! A dry shrimp will sear beautifully, creating a lovely caramelized crust that adds depth of flavor to the entire dish. Skipping this step can lead to steamed, rather than seared, shrimp.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil and dairy-free butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter. I learned the hard way with One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp that burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish! The key here is to watch the garlic closely and stir frequently. You want it to be fragrant and golden, not brown and bitter.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
If using, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds so much flavor to the sauce! Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly. In my kitchen, One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp usually takes around 2 minutes for the wine to reduce a bit. Deglazing the pan is a crucial step in building flavor. Those browned bits, known as fond, are packed with deliciousness that will elevate your sauce.
Step 4: Add the Coconut Milk
Pour in the coconut milk and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. While the One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp is simmering, I usually chop the parsley and set the table. Full-fat coconut milk is essential for achieving that creamy, decadent texture. Light coconut milk will result in a thinner sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Your One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp should smell like a garlicky, coconutty dream at this point! Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and prevents the shrimp from searing properly.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is where you can really make the One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp your own! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the coconut milk.
Step 7: Broil (Optional)
For an extra touch, you can broil the One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp for 1-2 minutes to get the tops slightly browned and bubbly. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it, as it can burn quickly! Also, make sure that your skillet is oven safe! If not, just skip this step. This reminds me of another fantastic seafood recipe: Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails.
See? Super simple! I always say, the best recipes are the ones that don’t require a culinary degree.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to best enjoy your creamy, garlicky shrimp. Get creative with your sides and presentation!
The kids love our One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp when I serve it over pasta or rice. It’s also fantastic with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad or some steamed broccoli makes a perfect veggie accompaniment. This One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a casual dinner party, or even a special occasion. It feels fancy but is so easy to make!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice over the top before serving. It just makes it look extra pretty. If you have extra One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp, it’s delicious reheated the next day. I often add it to salads or use it as a filling for tacos or wraps.
During the summer, I sometimes grill the shrimp before adding it to the sauce for a smoky flavor. In the winter, I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for extra warmth. My friends always ask for this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe whenever I make it for them. It’s always a hit! My friend, here’s a related recipe that you may enjoy: Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making this recipe.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
- Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. You know what I do when my One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp craving hits and I only have frozen shrimp? I put the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until they are thawed. Then, I pat them dry like crazy.
- I don’t have coconut milk. Can I use something else?
- While coconut milk is key for the dairy-free creaminess, you could try using another plant-based milk like almond milk or cashew milk. However, the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. Some people use heavy cream (if you don’t need the recipe to be dairy free), but you can also try canned coconut cream for a really rich flavor. My family loves when I use coconut milk in this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
- Can I make this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?
- I wouldn’t recommend making the entire dish ahead of time, as the shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. However, you can make the sauce ahead of time and then add the shrimp just before serving.
- My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?
- Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering. I’ve made that One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp mistake before!
- Can I add vegetables to this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
- Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms all work well. Add them to the pan along with the garlic and cook until tender before adding the coconut milk. My blog readers have given me some great feedback about adding vegetables to this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe.
- I don’t drink wine. What can I use instead of white wine?
- Chicken broth is a great substitute. You can also use vegetable broth or even just water. If you don’t have any wine, broth, or water on hand, you can simply skip it. The sauce will just be thicker. I have used chicken broth when preparing One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
- Is this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe spicy?
- It’s only as spicy as you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can leave them out if you prefer. You can also add more or less to adjust the level of heat. Just remember not to over do it! I do not like too much spice in my One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
Final Thoughts and Pro Tips
Here are my final thoughts on this recipe, along with some pro tips to help you achieve the best possible results.
This One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a dish that I can always count on to bring a smile to my family’s faces, and I hope it does the same for you.
Here are a few of my One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and tough. Cook it just until it’s pink and opaque.
- Use fresh garlic! The flavor is so much better than the pre-minced stuff.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning! This is key to making the dish your own.
Here are a few One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp variations we’ve tried:
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mediterranean: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese (if not dairy-free).
- Lemon-Herb: Add extra lemon juice and a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
My daughter loves the spicy version, while my son prefers the lemon-herb version. I encourage you to experiment and find your favorite combination! This dish reminds me of another favorite: Chicken Shawarma Creamy Garlic Sauce.
I truly hope you give this One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe a try. I know you and your family will love it as much as we do. Happy cooking, my friend! If you are looking for another delicious, quick shrimp dish, be sure to check out this recipe for The BEST Paleo Paprika Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Gluten free, Dairy. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your dietary needs.
One Pan Dairy Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This One Pan Dairy-Free Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Tender shrimp are cooked in a luscious, dairy-free garlic cream sauce, all in one pan for easy cleanup!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Stir in dairy-free milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve over zucchini noodles, rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal. Add some steamed broccoli or asparagus to the pan during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra vegetables.