Crunchy Coconut Shrimp are perfect as an appetizer or main course. The crunchy coating comes from panko bread crumbs and unsweetened coconut.
Are you watching football? I mean all the playoff games and getting ready for the BIG Super Bowl game?
I must confess, I'm not a huge football fan until the final few playoff games. Then I'm all in....well.... I kind of watch the games! I must admit, I still get side tracked....like by making great food to eat while watching the games! Football watching equals great food! Right???
These crunchy coconut shrimp are perfect football watching food. You can serve up a pile of them and they will disappear quickly. Consider making a double batch!
What type of coconut do I need to make this shrimp appetizer?
For this coconut shrimp you will need unsweetened coconut. Most coconut you find in the baking aisle is sweetened. I was able to find unsweetened coconut in the organic section in my grocery store.
These shrimp are lightly fried and they key to success is having the oil at the correct temperature. Use a high temperature thermometer that will ensure your oil is at 360 degrees.
What type of oil is best for frying?
I usually use vegetable oil or canola oil. You could also use peanut oil, safflower oil or corn oil.
These shrimp are great eaten while still hot or once they've cooled to room temperature. They will hold their crunchy texture as long as you don't refrigerate them. A perfect dipping sauce is this jalapeno apricot sauce.
Other great appetizers:
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Honey lime shrimp
- Jalapeno poppers
- Guacamole
- Baked tortilla chips
- Cocktail meatballs
- Game Day appetizers
- Wonton Cups
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my appetizers.
Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp
Batter
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon Siracha sauce
- ¾ cup beer
Coating
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups canola oil
Instructions
- Clean and peel shrimp, leaving tails intact.1 pound raw shrimp
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, beer and siracha sauce.½ cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 Tablespoon Siracha sauce, ¾ cup beer, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, mix panko, coconut and salt.1 cup panko bread crumbs, ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- In a cast iron frying pan, preheat oil over medium high heat. You need approximately ½" of oil in your pan. Adjust amount of oil according to the size of your pan.2 cups canola oil
- Working in small batches, dip shrimp into batter and then into panko mixture. Pat crumbs onto shrimp. Set coated shrimp on a plate.
- When the oil reaches 360 degrees, place shrimp in pan. Do not overcrowd pan. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
- Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove cooked shrimp from oil and place on a baking rack to allow excess oil to drip.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Fine Cooking
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Coconut and shrimp are the perfect flavour combo. Love how delicious this sounds...and it looks fantastic too. Easy entertaining....and I know people will be fighting for the last one!!
Kathy says
You are so right! 🙂
peter @Feed Your Soul Too says
You got a perfect crust on your shrimp. The combination of the panko and the coconut create a wonderful exterior and flavor.
Kathy says
There's nothing better than a crunchy bite!
Molly Kumar says
WoW, these 'Coconut Shrimp' looks so good and nicely crisp. I love the addition of Sriracha for that hint of spice with the creamy-sweet coconut flavor. The recipe is so easy and I'll try make them soon.
Kathy says
Let me know how they turn out!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
One of my favourite dishes when I go to the US. Love coconut shrimp. Bookmarking this
Kathy says
It's one of our favorites too!
Jovita @ Yummy Addiction says
That's what I call a perfect snack! You can't go wrong with coated shrimp. Thanks for the recipe!
Kathy says
Thanks, Jovita!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
These shrimp look like PERFECTION! That coating looks spot on. YUM!
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
it's not only looks so YUM! İ think it's addicting as well :p
Kathy says
I totally agree!
Kathy says
There's nothing wrong with that! 🙂 The game gives us an excuse for a party!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
I will freely admit that I am a football fan purely for the snacks! And these shrimp are MY kind of snack!
Adina says
I could eat all those shrimps on my own and I don't even need the football excuse. 🙂 They look amazing!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
This year I'm going to be all about the food because the team I like are all out. I think I'll just distract myself with a double batch of this coconut shrimp!
Kathy says
Just make lots of great food and you won't miss your team not playing!
allie says
Hi Kathy- these look fabulous - I've got to try them! I love coconut shrimp, so I'm all in! Have a great week!
Kathy says
You are going to love these! They are super crunchy and so tasty!
Manali@CookWithManali says
I love coconut flavor, sure this is very flavorful!
Kathy says
I love coconut too! It is really great on these shrimp.
David @ Spiced says
So I am a big football fan...but my team didn't make it into the playoffs this year. I'll still watch the Super Bowl and hope for a good game, but it's really all about the food + commercials at this point. And this coconut shrimp sound awesome! Perfect finger food for gameday! 🙂
Kathy says
I think it's all about the food! 🙂 The game is just the reason for the little party!!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I'm not a huge football fan, but I do love the food that goes along with the watching of the game 🙂 Coconut shrimp have got to be on the top of my favourite foods and these look DELICIOUS! Pinning and trying real soon!!
Kathy says
I love the crunch of this shrimp! I hope you give it a try!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
These look delicious Kathy. I haven't made coconut shrimp in quite a while either. I'll need to give your recipe a try!
Kathy says
The crunchy coating is very addicting!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
Yum for these crispy coconut shrimp! Loreto makes them sometimes and you're right, they're always a hit, no leftovers! Love the addition of sriracha in the batter!
Kathy says
The siracha just gives a little hint of a kick! 🙂
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
Kathy, there is a bit of 'football consternation' going on here in San Diego as the S.D. Chargers have left and gone to L.A. But what the heck, your Coconut Shrimp should lift everyone's spirits here!
Kathy says
Too bad about the Chargers. It's hard to stay loyal to a team that moves away from your town! The Packers lost today, so I'm in a bit of morning here. 🙁 The shrimp were a hit though!