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
- Jalapeno poppers
- Guacamole
- Baked tortilla chips
- Cocktail meatballs
- Game Day appetizers
- Wonton Cups
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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.
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, beer and siracha sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix panko, coconut and salt.
- 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.
- 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
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!