Name: Coconut Shrimp Recipe: Crispy, Golden, Tropical Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled/deveined); ¾ cup flour; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko + 1 cup coconut; Seasoning: salt (garlic powder); Oil for frying; Sweet chili sauce

Introduction

Table of Contents

Coconut Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer: plump shrimp coated in a crispy, sweet coconut-panko crust and fried to golden perfection. Sweet, crunchy outside, juicy and tender inside—this is the dish that disappears fastest at any party. Presented on a white ceramic platter with a sweet chili dipping sauce and lime wedges, optionally garnished with toasted coconut and fresh cilantro, these Coconut Shrimp offer stunning golden color and pure tropical bliss that makes everyone reach for more.

Ingredients

For the Coconut Shrimp (serves 4–6 as an appetizer): • 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on preferred)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional heat)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce (optional but recommended): • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Serving: • Lime wedges, fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Process

Prep the shrimp
Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Set up a breading station
Three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: flour + salt + pepper + garlic powder + cayenne
- Bowl 2: beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: mix panko and shredded coconut
Bread the shrimp
Dredge each shrimp: flour (shake excess), egg, then coconut-panko mixture (press firmly for even coating). Place on parchment-lined tray.
Chill
Refrigerate breaded shrimp 15–30 minutes (helps coating stick).
Heat oil
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat ½–1 inch of oil to 350–375°F (use thermometer).
Fry
Fry shrimp in batches 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden and shrimp is cooked (145°F internal). Don’t overcrowd—maintain temperature. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serve
Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Pair with sweet chili sauce and lime wedges.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Shrimp

• Pat shrimp very dry—prevents soggy coating
• Press coconut-panko firmly—maximum crunch
• Don’t overcrowd oil—temperature drop = greasy
• Fry at 350–375°F—too low = oily, too high = burns
• Chill after breading—coating adheres better
• Use sweetened coconut—classic flavor

Variations and Customization

• Air Fryer: 400°F 8–10 minutes, spray oil, flip halfway
• Baked: 425°F 12–15 minutes on rack, spray oil
• Spicy Coconut: add cayenne to the coating
• Gluten-Free: GF flour + GF panko
• Coconut Shrimp Tacos: serve in tortillas with slaw
• Sweet Chili Mango: add mango to the dipping sauce

Storage and Serving Tips

• Best fresh—peak crisp
• Reheat 375°F air fryer or oven 5–7 minutes
• Fridge up to 2 days (cooked)
• Freeze breaded uncooked shrimp up to 2 months—fry from frozen +2 minutes
• Quick refresh: air fry 3 minutes
• Serve with sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, or lime wedges

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings:
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Total Fat: 20g (Saturated 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g

FAQ

1. Fresh or frozen shrimp?
Both fine—thaw fully and pat very dry.

2. My coating falls off?
Shrimp, wet or no, are pressed firmly. Dry better + press next time.

3. No panko—what can I use?
Regular breadcrumbs—less crunchy.

4. Air fryer alternative?
Yes—400°F 8–10 min, flip halfway, spray oil.

5. Best dipping sauce?
Sweet chili is classic—mango salsa or aioli is also a great option.

Conclusion

These Coconut Shrimp are pure tropical magic—crispy, sweet, and so addictive you’ll make extra just for leftovers. One bite with that crunch and juicy shrimp inside, and suddenly parties feel epic, dinners feel fun, and everyone’s asking for the recipe while reaching for more. Make a double batch, freeze extras, and you’re always minutes away from the appetizer that turns ordinary nights into something legendary.