This fried Coconut Shrimp is a delicious appetizer or dinner recipe that is always a requested dish and one of the first to go when placed on the appetizer table. Made with large shrimp dipped in a coconut breadcrumb mixture, these delicious shrimp are fried to golden perfection.
If you love coconut shrimp, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe. It’s a super easy way to make tender, juicy, and deliciously coconutty shrimp that everyone will love. I’m a big fan of coconut shrimp, and I order it every time we go out to a seafood restaurant or anywhere they serve this tasty dish. I realized that a recipe like this wouldn’t be hard to make, so I found one I liked. Delicious fried coconut shrimp. This is a great recipe to serve as an appetizer or main dish, and I’ve never had anyone turn it down.
Coconut Shrimp
This delicious recipe starts with large shrimp for a juicy, tender bite of shrimp with every mouthful. Then, I make a 3-part dredge station to create an outer coating that’s loaded with flavor and just substantial enough without overtaking the shrimp. Finally, I fry it all to golden perfection and serve it with dipping sauce or rice. These little bites of coconut shrimp Heaven are absolutely delicious, and they’re so easy to make. A winning combo, indeed.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- The shrimp are crispy and absolutely delicious.
- They’re easy to make and always a favorite appetizer, snack, or even main course.
- They’re especially delicious dipped in a sweet chili sauce.
Tips
- To save some trouble, buy frozen shrimp that’s already been peeled and deveined.
- Gently tap the shrimp after each dredge to ensure the perfect amount of coating.
- Don’t crowd your skillet when frying the shrimp. You want the oil to stay hot so the coating crisps rather than soaking up oil so work in batches.
Variations
- Try adding a little cayenne or Cajun seasoning for a blast of extra flavor and heat that’s perfect with the coconut.
- This recipe will work with prawns or freshwater shrimp, as well.
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. They both work!
What to Serve with Fried Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp is a highly versatile dish that pairs well with all kinds of delicious flavors. Some great ideas include:
- French fries
- Your favorite vegetables
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Fried rice
- Egg rolls
- Pasta
How to Clean and Devein Shrimp
- Remove the legs by simply pinching and pulling.
- Starting from the underside of the shrimp, remove the shell, gently pulling it outward and upward. Then, gently pull the tail to remove the tail portion of the shell.
- Cut a slit about ¼-inch deep along the back of the shrimp, then use the tip of a knife or your fingers, depending on the size of the vein, to remove it.
Recipe FAQ
What is coconut shrimp made of?
It’s shrimp coated with a breading of shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, and cornstarch.
Is coconut shrimp healthy?
No, but it’s delicious. Although shrimp is a great source of protein, breading it and then frying it is not healthy.
What dipping sauce goes well with coconut shrimp?
Sweet chili sauce or orange marmalade are a great choice. Some other great ones include cocktail sauce, coconut sauce, and aioli.
Can you freeze coconut shrimp?
Absolutely. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
What’s the best shrimp for this recipe?
Large shrimp are best for this recipe. They’ll be labeled as jumbo shrimp, extra jumbo, or extra large. Freshwater shrimp are an excellent option because they are so large.
What is the vein on a shrimp?
It’s not actually a vein at all, even though we all call it that. In reality, the “vein” is the shrimp’s digestive tract.
Do you have to devein shrimp?
Unless the vein is quite large, you don’t have to remove it. It’s hardly noticeable at all, and it’s safe. So if you’d rather not take the time to do it, there’s no problem.
How to Store and Reheat Coconut Shrimp
Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat coconut shrimp, place them on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil and bake them at 300 degrees for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also cook them for 1 to 2 minutes in an air fryer at 390 degrees.
Fried Coconut Shrimp Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious shrimp recipe. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store.
- Large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Egg whites
- Milk
- Cornstarch
- Shredded coconut
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Fried Coconut Shrimp
Making this shrimp is a fairly straightforward affair. There’s nothing fancy here. It’s just dredging and frying.
Step 1: Prep
Make a dredging station with a mix of egg whites and milk in one shallow container, coconut and panko in another shallow container, and cornstarch in a third shallow container.
Step 2: Dredge
Coat the shrimp in cornstarch, then into the egg white mixture, and finally into the coconut mixture.
Step 3: Fry
Heat oil to 365 degrees over medium-high heat in a large frying pan or electric skillet. Then, carefully drop a few shrimp at a time into the oil. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove shrimp and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Try This Delicious Fried Coconut Shrimp Recipe Today
This fried coconut shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to make and so delicious. You can’t beat a combo like that. With all the flavors we love in classic coconut shrimp and that great crispy, golden outside coating. everyone will be begging for more. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll have it in your regular seafood rotation.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packs – These foil packs are loaded with shrimp kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes and corn on the cob, and is a hearty and flavorful low calorie meal.
Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo – This delicious fettuccine alfredo is creamy and loaded with Cajun flavored shrimp. A delicious pasta recipe the whole family will enjoy.
Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet – Loaded with savory, peppery stew of herbs and spices complement the buttery shrimp and juicy andouille sausage that is mixed with a saucy bed of fluffy white rice.
And, here is a Shrimp Chow Mein, from Deliciously Seasoned, that you will enjoy as well.
Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 6 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 4 cups shredded coconut
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 3+ cups vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Set up a dredging station and in the first shallow container, mix egg whites and milk together. Set aside.
- In the second shallow container, mix coconut and breadcrumbs together.
- Add cornstarch to the third shallow container.
- Dip the shrimp into the cornstarch, then into the egg white mixture and lastly into the coconut mixture.
- Using a large frying pan or electric skillet, heat oil to 365° over medium-high heat and carefully drop shrimp, a few at a time, into hot oil or frying basket. Cook until golden brown, 4-5 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
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