Coconut Shrimp – These crispy, golden coconut shrimp are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crunchy coating outside and tender shrimp inside. Each shrimp is dipped in a flavorful coconut batter, then fried to perfection for a satisfying bite. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, this dish makes for an irresistible appetizer or a delicious main course.
What is Coconut Shrimp?
Coconut shrimp is a popular appetizer or main dish consisting of shrimp that is dipped in a mixture of flour, eggs, and shredded coconut before being deep-fried or baked until golden and crispy. The combination of sweet, chewy coconut and tender shrimp creates a mouthwatering experience, making it a favorite at seafood restaurants and casual get-togethers alike.
This dish is often served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, such as a classic sweet chili sauce, making it the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Coconut Shrimp
- Thoroughly dry the shrimp before coating them to ensure the batter sticks better.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan. Fry the shrimp in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Crispy Coconut Shrimp: To achieve the crispiest results, make sure to use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
- Use coconut oil for frying to complement the coconut flavor, or go with vegetable oil for a neutral taste.
Variations
Baked Coconut Shrimp
If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Coating
For an extra kick, mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture or the coconut-breadcrumb mixture. You can also drizzle your shrimp with a spicy hot sauce or mix it with the dipping sauce for a more intense flavor.
Coconut Shrimp Tacos
Make a fun variation by turning your coconut shrimp into tacos. Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of cilantro-lime sauce, and a squeeze of lime.
How to Serve Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp can be served in various ways, whether as an appetizer or part of a main meal.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy mango salsa.
- As a Main Dish: Serve it alongside a salad, roasted vegetables, or coconut rice for a tropical-inspired meal.
- On Skewers: For a fun twist, serve the coconut shrimp on skewers with a side of dipping sauce for easy dipping.
How to Store Coconut Shrimp
If you have leftovers (although rare!), store the coconut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will make the shrimp soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked coconut shrimp. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them for about 1 hour, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to cook them, simply fry or bake from frozen – just give them a few extra minutes.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make coconut shrimp ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the shrimp and coat them in the flour, egg, and coconut-breadcrumb mixture ahead of time. Store the coated shrimp in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating them.
3. What is the best oil to fry coconut shrimp? Vegetable oil or coconut oil works best for frying. Coconut oil enhances the coconut flavor, while vegetable oil is neutral and gives a clean fry.
4. Can I bake coconut shrimp instead of frying them? Yes, baking is a great alternative! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Can I make coconut shrimp gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflakes.
Coconut Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp - These crispy, golden coconut shrimp are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crunchy coating outside and tender shrimp inside.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, with tails on
- 3–4 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 3 tbsp Thai chili sauce
- 6 tbsp jam (orange, peach, or apricot)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Coating Station: Set up 3 bowls—one with flour, salt, and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat them generously in the coconut-Panko mixture. Set aside.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry shrimp in batches (7-8 at a time) for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking!
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. For dipping, mix together the chili sauce and jam, and serve with the shrimp.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1503Total Fat 127gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 3gUnsaturated Fat 105gCholesterol 332mgSodium 1764mgCarbohydrates 59gFiber 4gSugar 25gProtein 34g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Coconut shrimp is the perfect balance of sweetness and savory, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re frying or baking, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by anyone, from seafood enthusiasts to those who are just looking for a delicious meal. Don’t forget to experiment with different dipping sauces and side dishes to create your ideal coconut shrimp experience.
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