Snappy Crispy Coconut Shrimp Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Seafood lovers rejoice with this mouthwatering crispy coconut shrimp that promises a tropical burst of flavor.

Golden-brown, perfectly seasoned shrimp coated in a crispy coconut breading will transport you to a beachside paradise.

The delicate crunch and sweet coconut notes create an irresistible combination that dances on your palate.

Every bite delivers a satisfying texture that blends crispy exterior with tender, succulent shrimp inside.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality goodness straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Fresh shrimp transformed into a crunchy, island-inspired appetizer or main course will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Dive into this delectable dish and let your taste buds embark on a delightful Caribbean-inspired adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

Coconut Shrimp Ingredient Notes

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, even base layer that helps other coatings stick perfectly to the shrimp.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Adds foundational seasoning that enhances the shrimp's natural flavor profile.

• Eggs: Acts as a crucial adhesive that helps the crispy coating cling beautifully to each succulent shrimp.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Delivers an irresistibly crunchy texture with its light, airy Japanese-style breadcrumbs.
• Shredded Coconut: Introduces a tropical, sweet crunch that elevates the classic breading approach.

• Large Shrimp: Select fresh, firm shrimp with a bright, clean smell and no discoloration for the best taste and texture.

• Thai Chili Sauce: Provides a vibrant, spicy kick that complements the sweet coconut coating.
• Jam or Preserves: Adds a delightful sweet counterpoint to balance the sauce's heat and the shrimp's savory crunch.

• Neutral Cooking Oil: Ensures even, golden frying without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.

Tools That Make Coconut Shrimp Easy

• Large skillet: Essential for perfectly frying the crispy shrimp.
• Medium bowls (3): Needed for creating flour, egg, and coconut-Panko coating stations.
• Plate: Used for setting aside coated shrimp before frying.
• Small bowl: Required for mixing the dipping sauce.
• Whisk or fork: Helpful for beating eggs and blending sauce ingredients.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely turning shrimp while frying.

Cooking Coconut Shrimp at Home

Coconut Shrimp Magic

• Coating Station

Create a delightful assembly line with three bowls: one for flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another for beaten eggs, and the last for a crunchy blend of Panko and coconut flakes.

• Shrimp Transformation

Lovingly coat each shrimp by first rolling it in seasoned flour, then giving it a quick egg bath, and finally generously covering it in the coconut-Panko mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick like a delicious armor.

• Sizzling Perfection

Warm oil in a skillet until it whispers with heat. Carefully lower shrimp into the golden liquid, cooking in small batches to ensure each piece turns a gorgeous crispy bronze. Flip after about two minutes to create an even, crackling exterior.

• Flavor Explosion

Whip up a tantalizing dipping sauce by mixing Thai chili sauce with a sweet jam. This vibrant condiment will add a zesty punch that makes your coconut shrimp truly irresistible.

Tips to Improve Coconut Shrimp Flavor

• Oil Temperature Magic: Maintain a consistent 350°F for perfectly crispy shrimp without burning the coconut coating. Use a kitchen thermometer to check oil temperature accurately.
• Freshness Matters: Select large, wild-caught shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Always pat shrimp completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version. Swap Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for complete dietary accommodation.
• Sauce Adventure: Experiment with different dipping sauces like mango chutney, pineapple salsa, or spicy sriracha mayo to create unique flavor profiles. Mix and match preserves with chili sauce for personalized taste combinations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare coated shrimp up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate before frying. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and keep chilled until ready to cook for convenient entertaining.

Serving Suggestions for Coconut Shrimp

• Tropical Beach Party Platter: Arrange the crispy coconut shrimp on a large wooden board with fresh lime wedges and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a vibrant, vacation-style presentation that screams summer fun.
• Cocktail Hour Appetizer: Serve these golden shrimp with chilled tropical cocktails like mojitos or piña coladas, creating a perfect party starter that will impress guests with minimal effort.
• Salad Companion Delight: Top a fresh mixed green salad with these crunchy shrimp, drizzling the sweet-spicy dipping sauce as a unique dressing that transforms an ordinary salad into an extraordinary meal.
• Family Sharing Platter: Create a communal dining experience by placing the shrimp on a large platter with multiple dipping sauces, encouraging everyone to grab, dip, and enjoy together in a relaxed, interactive setting.

Keeping Coconut Shrimp at Its Best

• Batch Prep Brilliance: Cook extra shrimp during your initial preparation and store them in airtight containers for quick weekday meals. These crispy bites reheat wonderfully in an air fryer or oven, maintaining their delightful crunch.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked shrimp in sealed containers for up to 2-3 days. Keep the coconut dipping sauce separately to prevent soggy coating, ensuring maximum texture when reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Uncooked, breaded shrimp can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for approximately one month, offering a convenient protein option for spontaneous dinner plans.
• Sauce Sustainability: Homemade chili-jam dipping sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Consider making larger batches to enhance future meals, transforming a single recipe into multiple culinary adventures.

Tantalizing Coconut Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy coconut shrimp delight brings tropical flavors from Caribbean islands to dinner tables with golden-brown crunch. Succulent shrimp coated in sweet coconut breading offer perfect balance of texture and taste for quick weekend meals you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 3–4 tbsps vegetable oil, coconut oil, or olive oil
• 6 tbsps orange, peach, or apricot jam or preserves
• 3 tbsps Thai chili sauce
• 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Coating Station: Arrange three mixing bowls for an efficient breading workflow, positioning flour, egg, and coconut-Panko mixture strategically.
2. Season Flour Mixture: Whisk flour with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings throughout the coating base.
3. Egg Preparation: Thoroughly beat eggs until smooth, creating a uniform binding agent for the shrimp coating.
4. Create Crispy Coating: Combine Panko bread crumbs with shredded coconut, mixing to develop a textured, flavorful exterior layer.
5. Coat Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp through flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll in coconut-Panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
6. Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat neutral oil in a large skillet to medium temperature, establishing an optimal frying environment with consistent heat distribution.
7. Fry Shrimp: Carefully add shrimp in small batches, cooking for approximately two minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown color and crispy texture.
8. Prepare Dipping Sauce: Blend Thai chili sauce with selected jam, creating a harmonious and complementary flavor profile.
9. Finish and Serve: Drain shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil, then plate immediately with the prepared dipping sauce, ensuring maximum crispiness and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Prepare Coating Station Efficiently: Organize three bowls strategically to streamline the breading process and ensure even, consistent coating on each shrimp.
• Master Coconut Crunch Technique: Press Panko-coconut mixture firmly onto shrimp to create a robust, extra-crispy exterior that locks in flavor and texture.
• Manage Oil Temperature Carefully: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly golden, crisp coating without greasy residue.
• Optimize Sauce Pairing: Choose complementary sauces like Thai chili or sweet-tangy jam blends to elevate the shrimp’s tropical flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg