Make restaurant-style crispy coconut shrimp at home. This recipe uses a double-coating method for maximum crunch and includes instructions for a simple sweet chili mayonnaise dipping sauce.
Author:David Bako
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
Prepare the shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick.
Set up the dredging station: Place flour on one plate, the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl, and mix the panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut together on a third plate.
Coat the shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the shrimp firmly into the coconut-panko mixture until fully coated.
Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Fry the shrimp: Working in batches, carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain: Remove the cooked shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt immediately after frying.
Make the dipping sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve the crispy coconut shrimp immediately with the dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, chill the coated shrimp on a baking sheet for 15 minutes before frying.
If you prefer baked coconut shrimp, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
For an air fryer method, spray the coated shrimp lightly with cooking spray and cook at 380°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.