Coconut Shrimp – Crispy & Golden Perfection

Coconut Shrimp delivers the perfect balance of crispy texture and sweet coconut flavor. Each shrimp is coated in a golden coconut crust and cooked until crunchy outside and tender inside. This easy recipe works beautifully as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creates crispy, golden shrimp with tender centers
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Cooks quickly in under 25 minutes
  • Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or main meals
  • Delivers restaurant-quality results at home
  • Pairs well with many dipping sauces
  • Kid-friendly and family-approved
  • Works for parties, holidays, or weeknight meals

Ingredients

Shrimp, shredded coconut, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and dipping sauce

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 3/4 cup shredded coconut sweetened or unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-step collage showing breading and frying coconut shrimp

  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Prepare three bowls: flour with salt and pepper, beaten eggs with water, and coconut mixed with breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip each shrimp into flour, then egg mixture, then coconut mixture.
  4. Press gently to help coating stick.
  5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  6. Fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips & Variations

  • Use large or jumbo shrimp for best texture
  • Press coating firmly to prevent falling off
  • Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter version
  • Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for a healthier option
  • Add paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor
  • Use unsweetened coconut for less sweetness
  • Serve with sweet chili, mango, or garlic sauce

Storage & Freezer Instructions

  • Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
  • Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture
  • Freeze cooked shrimp up to 2 months
  • Reheat from frozen in oven at 400°F until hot and crispy

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Coconut shrimp served with dipping sauce and coconut rice

  • Serve with sweet chili sauce or mango dipping sauce
  • Pair with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables
  • Add to tacos or wraps for tropical flavor
  • Serve as party appetizer or snack
  • Garnish with lime wedges and fresh herbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake coconut shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, baking works well and produces crispy shrimp. Place coated shrimp on a lined baking sheet and bake at high heat until golden and cooked through.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before coating to ensure coating sticks properly and cooks evenly.

How do I keep coconut shrimp crispy?

Serve immediately after cooking and avoid stacking shrimp. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best results.

What dipping sauces work best?

Sweet chili sauce, mango sauce, garlic aioli, and pineapple sauce pair perfectly with coconut shrimp.

Ready to Make It?

Coconut Shrimp delivers crispy texture, sweet coconut flavor, and tender shrimp in every bite. This easy recipe creates impressive results with minimal effort. Save this recipe and enjoy golden coconut shrimp anytime.

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Golden crispy coconut shrimp with sweet chili dipping sauce

Coconut Shrimp


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  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Coconut Shrimp is crispy, golden, and full of sweet coconut flavor. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or main meals.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon water

3/4 cup shredded coconut sweetened or unsweetened

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil for frying


Instructions

1. Pat shrimp dry.

2. Prepare flour, egg, and coconut coating stations.

3. Dip shrimp in flour, egg, then coconut mixture.

4. Press gently to coat.

5. Heat oil in skillet.

6. Fry shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

7. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.

8. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use jumbo shrimp for best results.

Bake or air fry for lighter version.

Press coating firmly.

Use unsweetened coconut if preferred.

Serve with dipping sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 shrimp
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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