Gusto TV Flavor-Packed Grilled Shrimp in Peanut Sauce Recipe

Grilled Shrimp in Peanut Sauce Recipe

This grilled shrimp in peanut sauce recipe combines juicy, tender shrimp marinated in coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and garlic with a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with ginger, scallions, and aromatic spices. Featured on License to Grill with host Rob Rainford, this easy seafood recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweet, savoury, tangy, and mildly spicy flavours, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, and outdoor entertaining.

The Inspiration

Grilled shrimp is a popular seafood favourite, appreciated for its delicate sweetness, tender texture, and ability to absorb flavourful marinades. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, shrimp provides a delicious foundation for bold sauces, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs.

On License to Grill, host Rob Rainford celebrates the versatility of outdoor cooking through creative marinades, flavourful sauces, and practical grilling techniques. His approach demonstrates how fresh ingredients and bold seasonings can transform simple seafood into an exciting barbecue meal.

This recipe reflects that philosophy by combining quickly grilled shrimp with a rich homemade sauce. The shrimp require only a few minutes over high heat, while the peanut sauce develops its flavour through gentle simmering.

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 ½ lbs of British Columbia spot shrimp, shelled and deveined
¾ cup of coconut milk (188 ml)
1/3 cup of lime juice, freshly squeezed (84ml)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt (5ml)
1 teaspoon of ground pepper (5ml)

Sauce

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (45ml)
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bunch of scallions, green and white parts minced
2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, minced (30ml)
½ medium green pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
½ medium red pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
2 fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
1 ¼ cup of coconut milk
½ cup of creamy peanut butter
5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
½ cup of of cilantro, freshly chopped (125ml)
Salt and pepper

Methods

Rinse the shrimp and pat dry. Place in a large seal-able plastic bag. In a bowl, combine the coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, and salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and place in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes.
In a saucepan over medium heat, sweat off the garlic, scallions and ginger in oil. Add the green and red pepper and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until some of the liquid has evaporated.
Stir in coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice and half of the cilantro. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook uncovered for approximately 10 minutes until the sauce beings to thicken. Adjust the seasoning and set aside until it is time to serve.
Preheat the grill to high.
Remove the shrimp and discard of the marinade. Pat the shrimp dry and bring to the grill. Oil the grill liberally to avoid sticking. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink. Brush them with some of the peanut sauce after the first flip.
Sprinkle the remaining cilantro into the sauce just prior to serving.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic Asian-inspired dinner, serve the grilled shrimp over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice. The mild flavour of the rice complements the rich peanut sauce, while its fluffy texture absorbs the creamy coconut and peanut flavours. Add steamed bok choy, sautéed green beans, or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal filled with freshness and colour.

For a lighter meal, pair the shrimp with a refreshing cucumber salad, shredded cabbage salad, or mixed greens dressed with lime juice. The crisp vegetables and bright citrus flavours provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the coconut milk and peanut butter. A fresh salad also helps balance the mildly spicy flavour of the cayenne pepper.

This grilled shrimp recipe also works beautifully as part of a casual family-style dinner. Arrange the shrimp in the centre of the table with bowls of rice, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads so everyone can create their preferred combination. The creamy peanut sauce can be served generously over the shrimp or offered separately for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This grilled shrimp in peanut sauce recipe is a delicious celebration of fresh seafood, aromatic ingredients, and Asian-inspired barbecue cooking. Combining tender shrimp with coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, ginger, peanut butter, and fresh cilantro creates a flavourful dish filled with rich, savoury, tangy, and mildly spicy notes.

Find more recipes from License to Grill here!