Description
Bring the taste of the tropics to your kitchen with this Crispy Coconut Shrimp Recipe featuring a homemade Sweet Pineapple Sauce. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and savory flavor — all in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for easy dipping)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sweet Pineapple Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow bowls — one with flour, garlic powder, and salt; one with beaten eggs; and one with coconut and panko. For extra crispy coating, let shrimp rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge shrimp in flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat with coconut-panko mixture. Press firmly to ensure full coverage.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sweet Pineapple Sauce: In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer gently, whisk in cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Air Fryer Option: Cook shrimp at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter version. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Seafood
- Method: Fried (or Air Fried)
- Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4-5 shrimp)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: coconut shrimp, pineapple sauce, crispy shrimp, tropical appetizer, seafood recipe