Coconut shrimp is a crispy, golden delight that’s both savory and sweet. Coated in a crunchy layer of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, these shrimp are lightly fried to perfection. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, this dish makes for an easy appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients Needed for Coconut Shrimp
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients to make coconut shrimp.
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp (peeled and deveined) for the best bite-sized pieces. You can leave the tails on for a more appealing presentation.
- Shredded coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut is the best choice to prevent an overly sweet dish. The coconut will give the shrimp that crispy exterior and delightful flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for the coating, but you can use rice flour for a gluten-free version.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps create a light, crisp texture.
- Eggs: Used for binding the coconut to the shrimp.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
For the dipping sauce (optional but highly recommended):
- Sweet chili sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs wonderfully with coconut shrimp.
- Lime juice: Adds a fresh zing to the sauce.
Variations of Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Spicy Coconut Shrimp: Add more heat by sprinkling some chili flakes into the flour mixture or mixing a bit of sriracha into your dipping sauce.
- Coconut Shrimp Tacos: Serve coconut shrimp in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a tangy slaw for a tropical taco experience.
- Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or rice flour, and you’re good to go!
- Baked Coconut Shrimp: For a healthier version, try baking instead of frying. You can still achieve a crispy, delicious shrimp by using a light spray of oil.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Coconut Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp thoroughly: This prevents excess moisture from interfering with the breading process and helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch: Mixing panko breadcrumbs with the shredded coconut gives the shrimp an extra layer of crunch and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Whether you’re frying or baking, avoid crowding the shrimp. This ensures each shrimp cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
- Control the oil temperature when frying: If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn before cooking through. Too cold, and the shrimp will absorb too much oil and turn soggy. A thermometer is a great tool here!
How to Store Coconut Shrimp
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- In the refrigerator: Allow the shrimp to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- In the freezer: If you want to freeze coconut shrimp, place the cooked shrimp on a baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.
How to Serve Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:
- Appetizer: Serve coconut shrimp as an appetizer with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Main Course: Pair with steamed rice, tropical fruit salad, or a side of sautéed vegetables.
- Tacos: Use the shrimp as the main protein in a tropical taco.
- Salads: Toss coconut shrimp over a fresh salad for a crunchy, flavorful topping.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for coconut shrimp? Yes! Frozen shrimp works just as well, but make sure they are fully thawed before preparing. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
What can I substitute for shredded coconut? If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a similar crispy texture, though you’ll lose the signature coconut flavor.
Can I make coconut shrimp in advance? Coconut shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp by breading them ahead of time and storing them in the fridge for up to 4 hours. When ready to cook, simply fry or bake as usual.
How do I make coconut shrimp healthier? To make coconut shrimp healthier, try baking instead of frying and use less oil. You can also use a lighter coconut milk-based dipping sauce.
Coconut Shrimp (Crispy Fried)
Coconut shrimp is a crispy, golden delight that's both savory and sweet. Coated in a crunchy layer of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, these shrimp are lightly fried to perfection. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, this dish makes for an easy appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients
For the coconut shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, sweetened
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil or coconut oil
For the dipping sauce:
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup orange, apricot or peach jam
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the shrimp and pat dry pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up dredging station - Take 3 shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour, garlic powder and salt.
- Second one with beaten eggs. In the third bowl, add coconut flakes and panko bread crumbs. Combine well.
- Firstly dredge shrimp into the flour mixture, then dip in beaten egg and into the panko mixture. Transfer to a plate and repeat for the remaining shrimp.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add oil, once hot, add the shrimp and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until crispy golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Fry the shrimps in batches.
- Make the sauce - In a small mixing bowl, combine the Thai sweet chili sauce with orange or apricot jam.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice on the top of the crsipy shimps and enjoy immediately with the dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 345Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 222mgSodium 1064mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 3gSugar 17gProtein 22g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.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 allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Final Thoughts
Coconut shrimp is a simple yet luxurious dish that can bring tropical vibes to any meal. Whether you prefer it fried to a golden crisp or baked for a lighter version, this recipe is sure to satisfy. From the sweetness of the coconut to the tenderness of the shrimp, every bite is a delightful treat. Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, variations, and serving ideas, it’s time to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen. Enjoy!
