Crispy, golden coconut shrimp served with a tangy dipping sauce. This recipe guarantees a perfectly crunchy exterior and a juicy shrimp inside.
Author:Ben Androshov
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Frying or Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Seafood
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
For the Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
Prepare the dipping sauce: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
Set up your dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a third.
Coat the shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the coconut-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Bake the shrimp (alternative): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can toast the coconut and panko mixture lightly before dredging.
Adjust the sweetness of the dipping sauce by adding a pinch of sugar or a dash more lime juice.
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for optimal crispiness.