Fried Coconut Shrimp (Printable)

Crispy golden shrimp coated in sweet coconut flakes, perfect for a tropical appetizer or main dish with tangy dipping sauce.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on

→ Breading

02 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup milk
07 - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
08 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ For Frying

09 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Dipping Sauce

10 - 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
11 - 1 tbsp lime juice

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
02 - In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In a third bowl, mix shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
03 - Dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F.
05 - Fry the shrimp in batches without overcrowding the pan, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
06 - Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. For the dipping sauce, whisk together sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Serve shrimp hot with dipping sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between crispy coconut coating and tender shrimp is absolutely addictive
  • They come together in under 30 minutes but taste like something from a restaurant
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop and you'll end up with soggy shrimp
  • Let the oil come back to temperature between batches for consistent results
03 -
  • Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep your fingers from becoming a breading disaster
  • Serve immediately because coconut shrimp wait for no one