Caribbean Shrimp and Pumpkin Skillet with Coconut Rice and Toasted Lime
🏝️ Caribbean Food
Intermediate

Caribbean Shrimp and Pumpkin Skillet with Coconut Rice and Toasted Lime

An original Caribbean-inspired recipe featuring sautéed shrimp, tender pumpkin, bell pepper, tomato, and aromatic spices in a light coconut-lime sauce, served over fragrant coconut rice and finished with toasted lime and fresh cilantro.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
Dairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (without cola if preferred)
  • 400 g pumpkin, small diced (puede usarse calabaza moscada)
  • 200 g jasmine rice (enjuagado)
  • 400 ml coconut milk (divided)
  • 240 ml water (for the arroz)
  • 150 g red bell pepper, sliced (approx. 1 pimiento medium)
  • 120 g red onion, sliced (fina)
  • 180 g ripe tomato, diced (without semillas if desired)
  • 12 g garlic, minced (approx. 3 cloves)
  • 10 g fresh ginger, grated
  • 30 ml coconut oil (divided)
  • 45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 unit lime, halved (for tostar and servir)
  • 16 g fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)
  • 4 g fresh thyme (solo leaves)
  • 5 g sweet paprika
  • 1 g ground allspice
  • 1 g ground cumin
  • 5 g fresh hot chili, minced (optional)
  • 8 g salt (divided or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (to taste)
  • 4 g brown sugar

Nutrition facts

per serving

535 kcal
Calories
28 g
Protein
49 g
Carbs
25 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
45 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Shellfish

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice with 240 ml (1 cup) water, 180 ml (3/4 cup) of the coconut milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to very low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

  2. 2

    2. Remove the rice from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and add 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for fragrance.

  3. 3

    3. While the rice cooks, place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon lime juice, sweet paprika, allspice, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    4. Heat a large skillet or wide sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and place the lime halves cut-side down in the pan. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred. Remove and set aside.

  5. 5

    5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Add the red onion, red bell pepper, and pumpkin. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and the pumpkin starts browning at the edges.

  6. 6

    6. Add the garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, and fresh hot chili. Cook 1 minute more, stirring so the garlic does not burn.

  7. 7

    7. Add the diced tomato, brown sugar, remaining coconut milk, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and the rest of the salt. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until the tomato softens and the sauce becomes creamy.

  8. 8

    8. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp are pink, firm, and fully cooked and the pumpkin is tender.

  9. 9

    9. Taste and adjust with more salt or black pepper if needed. Add most of the remaining cilantro and stir briefly.

  10. 10

    10. Spoon the coconut rice into shallow bowls and top with the shrimp and pumpkin skillet. Finish with the toasted lime squeezed over the top and the rest of the fresh cilantro.

  11. 11

    11. If you need to keep the dish warm before serving, place it in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) for up to 10 minutes, well covered so it does not dry out.

Chef tips

For the best flavor, pat the shrimp dry before seasoning. Do not overcook the shrimp; remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and firm. The toasted lime adds a smoky, slightly sweet note that balances the creaminess of the coconut.

Substitutions

You can substitute the pumpkin with diced sweet potato. If you do not have jasmine rice, use long-grain rice. The hot chili can be omitted for a milder version. Fresh thyme can be replaced with 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ratings & reviews

Sign in to rate this recipe

Sign in