🌺 Filipino Ginataang Sugpo (Creamy Coconut Shrimp)
🥥 A Warm Filipino Comfort Dish
There are days when you just want something warm, creamy, and comforting — and for many Filipino families, ginataang sugpo is exactly that dish. The rich coconut milk gently coats the shrimp while the aroma of garlic and ginger fills the kitchen, bringing back memories of simple home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.
This dish is not only easy to make but also deeply satisfying, especially when paired with hot steamed rice.
⏱️ Recipe Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 thumb ginger, sliced
- 2 green chilies (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Optional: spinach or squash
🧾 Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor, but frozen works well too
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat gives the richest taste
- Ginger: Helps remove any seafood smell and adds warmth
- Fish Sauce: Brings authentic Filipino umami flavor
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan. Add garlic, onion, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Shrimp
Add shrimp and cook for 3–5 minutes until they turn pink.
Step 3: Pour Coconut Milk
Add coconut milk and let it gently simmer.
Step 4: Season
Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add spinach or squash and cook until tender.
Step 6: Add Coconut Cream
Pour coconut cream and simmer until sauce thickens.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with steamed white rice.
🥡 Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat on stovetop over low heat
- Add a little water if sauce thickens too much
🔄 Substitutions
- Shrimp → Chicken or tofu
- Fish sauce → Soy sauce
- Spinach → Bok choy
🥗 Nutrition Notes (Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 10g
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry first.
Can I skip coconut cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter.
Is this spicy?
Only if you add chili.
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ Do not overcook shrimp
✔ Simmer gently (don’t boil coconut milk)
✔ Add coconut cream last
🌿 Variations
- Ginataang Sugpo with Kalabasa
- Spicy version with red chili
- Extra creamy version
🖨️ Printable Recipe Card
Ginataang Sugpo
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Ingredients:
Shrimp, coconut milk, garlic, onion, ginger
Instructions:
Sauté → Add shrimp → Add coconut milk → Season → Simmer → Serve
