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Crispy, golden-fried shrimp with a sweet and savory coconut coating. This popular appetizer, with roots in Caribbean cuisine, is incredibly addictive, especially when paired with a tangy sweet chili dipping sauce. Perfect for parties or a special treat!
For 4 servings
Prepare the Shrimp and Breading Station
Bread the Shrimp
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Crispy, golden-fried shrimp with a sweet and savory coconut coating. This popular appetizer, with roots in Caribbean cuisine, is incredibly addictive, especially when paired with a tangy sweet chili dipping sauce. Perfect for parties or a special treat!
This caribbean recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 781.75 calories per serving with 43.38g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for appetizer or snack.
Heat the Frying Oil
Fry the Shrimp in Batches
Drain and Serve
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
For a healthier alternative, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded shrimp on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket, spray with oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Shrimp is one of the best dietary sources of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
The pink-red color of cooked shrimp comes from astaxanthin, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and protect against certain chronic diseases.
A serving of 6 pieces of fried Coconut Shrimp contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the size of the shrimp and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. This does not include the dipping sauce.
While shrimp itself is a healthy source of lean protein and nutrients, Coconut Shrimp is typically deep-fried, which adds a significant amount of fat and calories. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. Baked or air-fried versions are healthier alternatives.
The breading can fall off if the shrimp are not patted completely dry, if you skip the flour dredging step, or if you don't press the coconut-panko mixture firmly onto the shrimp. Chilling the breaded shrimp for at least 15 minutes before frying also helps the coating set and adhere better.
Yes! To make them in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer, spray them lightly with cooking oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
You can bread the shrimp up to a day in advance and store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for the best texture. Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated but will lose their crispiness upon reheating.
Sweet chili sauce is the classic pairing. Other great options include a piña colada dipping sauce (made with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a hint of lime), a spicy orange marmalade, or a creamy sriracha aioli.