Description
Crispy, golden coconut shrimp coated in toasted sweetened coconut and served with a homemade tangy-sweet chili dipping sauce. This copycat recipe is faster and fresher than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp water
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 2–3 tbsp water
- 2–3 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika; one with beaten eggs and water; and one with shredded coconut.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg wash, and finally press firmly into the coconut flakes to coat completely.
- Carefully place 3-4 shrimp into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a wire rack.
- While shrimp fry, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, fish sauce, and water to make the dipping sauce.
- Serve the shrimp immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are completely dry before breading to prevent coating from sliding off. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to prevent burning the coconut or making the shrimp greasy. For extra crunch, use a double-dip method (flour, egg, coconut, egg, coconut). Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 shrimp per servi
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: coconut shrimp, copycat recipe, thai appetizer, fried shrimp, sweet chili sauce, crispy shrimp, easy dinner, seafood recipe