Make restaurant-style crispy coconut shrimp at home using your oven. This recipe features a crunchy panko and coconut coating and pairs perfectly with a quick, sweet, and tangy dipping sauce.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:12 min
Total Time:27 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking spray
For the Dipping Sauce: 1/2 cup apricot preserves, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Prepare the dredging stations. In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, mix the shredded coconut, Panko breadcrumbs, and cayenne pepper, if using.
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick and makes the shrimp crispier.
Dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured shrimp into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
Press the shrimp firmly into the coconut-Panko mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides.
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
While the shrimp bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice until smooth.
Serve the hot, crispy coconut shrimp immediately with the dipping sauce. This is a great alternative to heavy meal planning for a quick appetizer.
Notes
For extra crispiness when baking, you can bake the shrimp on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute the apricot preserves with orange marmalade for a citrusy dip.
You can prepare the shrimp coating and sauce ahead of time. Store the coated shrimp on the baking sheet, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking.
If you are looking for a lighter meal option, consider this recipe instead of heavy meal delivery companies.