Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delight Recipe

Quick & Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delight Recipe for Tasty Evenings

Coconut shrimp burst with tropical flavors that instantly transport you to coastal paradise.

crispy golden exteriors give way to succulent seafood underneath a delicate, sweet coating.

This recipe combines unexpected textures that dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

Light and crunchy breading creates an irresistible crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Delicious ingredients merge into a stunning dish perfect for casual gatherings or elegant entertaining.

Seafood lovers appreciate how simple techniques can produce restaurant-quality results at home.

Tantalizing aromas will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to sample this mouthwatering creation.

You can find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that sparks conversation and creates delicious memories.

Answers About Coconut Shrimp Delight

  • How do I ensure the coating sticks well to the shrimp?

Press the coconut-Panko mixture gently but firmly onto each shrimp after coating it in flour and egg. This helps the breading adhere and creates a crispy exterior.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to completely thaw and pat the shrimp dry before coating. Excess moisture can prevent the breading from sticking properly.

  • What if I don't have Thai chili sauce for the dipping sauce?

You can substitute with sweet chili sauce, sriracha mixed with honey, or even a blend of hot sauce and preserves. The goal is a sweet and slightly spicy dipping sauce.

  • How can I keep the shrimp crispy if I'm not serving immediately?

Place the cooked shrimp on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F) to maintain crispiness. Avoid stacking them, which can make the coating soggy.

Why Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delight Steals the Show

  • Enjoy a perfect blend of crispy Panko and sweet coconut that delivers an irresistible texture with every single bite.
  • Whip up restaurant-quality shrimp in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal quick meal for busy households or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
  • The combination of coconut coating and Thai chili sauce creates a mouthwatering balance between sweet, crispy, and slightly spicy elements that tantalize taste buds.
  • Works brilliantly as an appetizer, main course, or party snack that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleasing recipe for various occasions.

Everything That Goes into Coconut Shrimp Delight

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein that forms the star of the dish, best when large and deveined with tail intact.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour, Salt, Pepper: Foundational dry seasoning base that helps create initial coating for shrimp.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumb mixture stick to shrimp surface.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs, Shredded Coconut: Crispy coating ingredients that provide golden crunch and tropical flavor.
Cooking Components:
  • Vegetable Oil: Essential frying medium for achieving crispy exterior, neutral flavor preferred.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
  • Thai Chili Sauce, Jam or Preserves: Tangy and sweet sauce that complements the crispy shrimp, offering balanced flavor profile.

Simple Guide to Make Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delight

Step 1: Create Incredible Coating Stations

Set up three separate bowls on your kitchen counter. In the first bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper until well combined. Crack eggs into the second bowl and whisk them until smooth. In the third bowl, combine Panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut, stirring until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Dress the Shrimp in Delicious Layers

Take each shrimp and roll it completely in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess. Dunk the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the shrimp in the coconut-Panko mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick perfectly.

Step 3: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating it over medium-high temperature. Carefully place 6-8 coated shrimp into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Whip Up a Tantalizing Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Thai chili sauce and your favorite fruit preserves. Mix until the sauce looks smooth and vibrant. This sweet and spicy combination will make your crispy coconut shrimp absolutely irresistible.

Expert Tips for Coconut Shrimp that Crunches Right

  • Ensure Even Coating: Pat shrimp dry before coating to help breading stick perfectly and create a crispier texture.
  • Maintain Optimal Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350-375°F for golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
  • Prevent Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain consistent heat and achieve maximum crunchiness.
  • Press Coconut Mixture Firmly: Gently but firmly press coconut-Panko mixture onto shrimp to create a thick, adherent crust.
  • Balance Sauce Sweetness: Experiment with different jam flavors to find the perfect sweet-spicy dipping sauce combination.

How to Store Coconut Shrimp Without Losing Crispiness

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover crispy coconut shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat in Oven: Restore crispiness by preheating the oven to 375°F. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, maintaining their crunchy texture.
  • Consume Quickly: Best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Discard if shrimp develops an off smell or appears discolored.

What Sides to Serve with Coconut Shrimp Delight

  • Tropical Drink Pairing: Sip a refreshing piña colada or mango margarita to complement the coconut-crusted shrimp's tropical flavor profile.
  • Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that balances the shrimp's richness and cuts through the crispy coating.
  • Zesty Side Kick: Serve with a light citrus salad or mango slaw to add brightness and acidity that enhances the shrimp's sweet and crunchy texture.
  • Flavor Amplifier: Offer the Thai chili jam sauce on the side, which provides a perfect sweet-spicy counterpoint to the coconut shrimp's mild, crispy exterior.

Coconut Shrimp Delight Variations to Explore

  • Tropical Citrus Shrimp: Enhance the coconut coating by adding lime zest and a splash of orange juice to the Panko mixture. Serve with a zesty mango salsa for a bright, refreshing flavor profile.
  • Spicy Coconut Crunch: Mix cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes into the flour mixture for an extra kick. Pair with a cool cilantro-yogurt dipping sauce to balance the heat.
  • Herb-Infused Coconut Shrimp: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil into the coconut-Panko coating. Create a light herb-garlic aioli for dipping that complements the herbal notes.
  • Asian-Inspired Coconut Shrimp: Replace Thai chili sauce with sriracha and add sesame seeds to the coconut coating. Prepare a ginger-soy dipping sauce for an authentic Asian-inspired experience.
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Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delight Recipe

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy coconut shrimp delight brings tropical paradise right to dinner tables with golden-crusted seafood perfection. Crunchy panko and sweet coconut create an irresistible coating that delivers restaurant-quality flavor home cooks can easily master.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached

Coating Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 34 tablespoons vegetable oil, coconut oil, or olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Thai chili sauce
  • 6 tablespoons orange, peach, or apricot jam or preserves
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Create a strategic coating station using three medium mixing vessels, optimizing the crispy shrimp preparation workflow.
  2. Combine flour with salt and pepper in the initial bowl, whisking to distribute seasonings evenly.
  3. Crack and thoroughly beat eggs in the second vessel, ensuring a smooth liquid consistency for optimal adherence.
  4. Blend Panko bread crumbs with shredded coconut in the third bowl, creating a textured and flavorful exterior coating.
  5. Meticulously dredge each shrimp through the flour mixture, guaranteeing complete and uniform coverage.
  6. Immerse the flour-coated shrimp into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip away for precise coating.
  7. Roll the egg-dipped shrimp through the coconut-Panko mixture, pressing gently to secure a robust, crispy exterior.
  8. Strategically arrange coated shrimp on a clean plate, preparing for the frying process.
  9. Select a large skillet and heat neutral cooking oil to medium temperature, establishing an ideal frying environment.
  10. Carefully introduce shrimp in controlled batches, preventing overcrowding and ensuring consistent cooking.
  11. Execute precise frying, turning shrimp after approximately two minutes to achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
  12. Craft a complementary dipping sauce by blending Thai chili sauce with selected jam, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  13. Transfer crispy shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain optimal crunchiness.
  14. Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce, maximizing textural and flavor experience.

Notes

  • Prepare a vibrant, crunchy coating by mixing Panko bread crumbs with shredded coconut for an extra layer of texture and tropical flavor.
  • Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating to help the flour, egg, and coconut mixture adhere perfectly and create a crispy exterior.
  • Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy, greasy results that compromise the delightful crunch.
  • Choose a sweet-spicy dipping sauce like Thai chili jam to complement the rich, golden-brown coconut shrimp and elevate the overall taste experience.
  • Let cooked shrimp rest on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain their crispy, light coating.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy coconut breading and succulent shrimp.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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