This coconut shrimp looks fancy but it's so easy to whip up! You can prep the shrimp and the sauce ahead of time. Store both in your fridge until you're ready. The sauce will last 3-4 days, but I recommend cooking the shrimp the same day. The sweet chili dipping sauce adds that extra special something that takes these coconut shrimp to next level!
They're the perfect fun appetizer dish......but, be warned, they'll disappear fast!
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, tails attached, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- coconut oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup granulate sugar
- 2/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water, plus 1 tablespoon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili paste (Sambal Oelek)
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3/4 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Rinse your peeled and deveined shrimp, and pat dry with paper towels.
Combine breadcrumbs and shredded coconut into a bowl. Set aside.
Combine flour, salt and pepper in a 2nd bowl, and beaten eggs in a third bowl. Line all the bowls up in a row and set aside.
Butterfly cut your shrimp, cutting almost entirely through the middle of them, but leaving them attached on one side. (Like an open book.) Flatten them out, and season with salt and pepper.
In assembly line-fashion, dip your shrimp first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs.
Shake off any excess and dredge shrimp in coconut and breadcrumbs. Press shrimp firmly into mixture to make sure coating sticks.
Place shrimp on a rimmed baking sheet and continue until all your shrimp are battered.
In a Dutch oven or a deep pot, heat 2-3-inches of coconut oil over medium-high heat.
Depending on the size of your Dutch oven, work in small batches and carefully fry shrimp until golden brown on both sides. 2-3 minutes per side.
Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp from oil and set on a paper towel to drain.
If the oil starts to get too brown or crunchy brown bits start gathering in the bottom of the pan, remove from stove and carefully wipe out with some paper towels. Then add more coconut oil and continue to fry the shrimp.
To Make Sauce:
Combine all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water) in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
Cook for 2-3 minutes before slowly stirring in cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water.
Continue to boil for 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust chili paste if needed. Remove garlic and allow to cool fully before serving.
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