Description
Coconut shrimp bring tropical island flavors right to your plate with golden-brown crunch and sweet island spice. Crisp panko and shredded coconut create a perfect coating that locks in succulent shrimp, delivering a delightful appetizer you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare a workspace with multiple shallow dishes for coating the shrimp, ensuring a smooth breading process.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in one dish, creating a seasoned dry mixture.
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate dish until thoroughly blended.
- Spread shredded coconut evenly in a third dish, preparing for the final coating.
- Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to help coatings adhere effectively.
- Dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Dip floured shrimp into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off for a light, even layer.
- Roll coated shrimp in shredded coconut, pressing gently to secure a thick, crispy exterior.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F, monitoring temperature with a thermometer.
- Carefully lower breaded shrimp into hot oil in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon, placing on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Use paper towels to thoroughly pat shrimp dry, ensuring the coating sticks perfectly and creates an ultra-crispy exterior.
- Select large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and most impressive presentation when serving.
- Control oil temperature precisely with a thermometer to prevent burning and maintain consistent golden-brown crunchiness.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg