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Coconut Shrimp with the Best Sauce

Crispy Coconut Shrimp with the Best Dipping Sauce Ever

Enjoy the tropical vibes with Coconut Shrimp with the Best Sauce, a delightful appetizer that’s easy to make and impressively crunchy.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb Large shrimp (21-25 count) Peeled and deveined with tails left on
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour Can be substituted with cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 2 large Large eggs Beaten lightly
  • 1 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Light olive oil Or vegetable/coconut oil for frying
  • 1 lime Lime Cut into wedges for serving
For the Dipping Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup Apricot preserves

Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Shallow bowls
  • tongs
  • Deep-frying thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Coconut Shrimp with the Best Sauce
  1. Rinse the large shrimp in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set up your workspace with three shallow bowls: one filled with all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and salt mixed together, the second with lightly beaten large eggs, and the third with a blend of sweetened shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs.
  2. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs until well-covered, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the shrimp in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.
  3. In a large pan, heat light olive oil or your preferred frying oil over medium heat, aiming for approximately 350°F. Test by dropping a small piece of bread in the oil; it should sizzle and turn brown in about 60 seconds.
  4. Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil, avoiding crowding the pan. Fry each shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side until they are golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Using tongs, transfer the freshly fried coconut shrimp onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow the shrimp to cool slightly.
  6. In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce and apricot preserves, stirring well until fully blended. This dipping sauce perfectly complements the coconut shrimp.
  7. Serve the crispy coconut shrimp hot with wedges of lime on the side. Encourage everyone to squeeze fresh lime over each shrimp before dipping into the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shrimpCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For storage, Coconut Shrimp can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

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