Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp is a quick and healthy dinner recipe that utilizes cooked quinoa and offers a warm, flavorful meal. This dish combines succulent shrimp with the nutty flavor of quinoa, infused with rich coconut milk and spices to create a delightful tropical experience right in your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something nutritious yet delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp

This dish is not just another meal; it’s a flavorful adventure! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick coconut quinoa shrimp meal.
High in protein with 19 grams per serving, perfect for a high-protein coconut quinoa shrimp dish.
Loaded with nutritious ingredients like cabbage and carrots, making it a healthy spiced quinoa shrimp dish.
Rich in flavor with aromatic spices like curry and garlic.
Perfect for using up leftover quinoa.
Can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients for Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp

Gather these items:

6oz/180g shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup cooked quinoa (around ⅓ dried)
1 cup coconut milk
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper / or to taste
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cabbage, thinly chopped
2 broccoli florets, chopped
1 medium-sized carrot, cut in strips
2 tbsp scallions, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh dill or cilantro, finely chopped

How to Make Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp Step-by-Step

Step 1: Chop all the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the quinoa with half of the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, curry powder, ginger, and cinnamon for a minute.
Step 3: Then add in some salt and pepper, the coconut milk, and the shrimp. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low to simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the rest of the garlic, shredded cabbage, carrot, broccoli, and cover with a lid again. Leave at low for 2-3 minutes, so that the vegetables cook a bit but still have texture and vitamins. Lastly, stir in the scallions and the fresh dill or cilantro.
Step 5: Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is perfect for using leftover quinoa.
Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper.
For a creamier texture, add more coconut milk to your flavored quinoa shrimp dish.
Experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences.

Best Ways to Serve Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve it in a bowl topped with fresh cilantro for a shrimp coconut quinoa bowl.
Pair it with a side of mixed greens for a complete meal.
Try it as a filling for tacos for a fun twist!

How to Store and Reheat Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through, or sauté on low heat in a pan. This is a great dish for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeks!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp

What’s the secret to perfect Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and ensuring the shrimp is cooked just right. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on the cooking time. For the best flavor, don’t skip the spices!

Can I make Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat before serving. It’s ideal for meal prep or quick dinners during the week.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the shrimp and add the vegetables at the right time to maintain their crunch. It’s also crucial to season properly for the best flavor.

Variations of Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp You Can Try

Feel free to customize your dish! Here are some variations:

Add different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful presentation.
Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if you prefer.
Create a spicy shrimp quinoa salad by adding lime juice and fresh herbs.
Make it a tropical coconut shrimp quinoa by incorporating pineapple chunks.

Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp: A Healthy Delight - Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp - main visual representation

For more tips on cooking shrimp, check out this helpful guide.

Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp: A Healthy Delight - Spiced Coconut Quinoa Shrimp - additional detail

For additional information on quinoa, visit this resource.

Lastly, if you’re looking for more healthy recipes, check out this page for inspiration!