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Crispy coconut shrimp served with a side of sweet chili mayo for dipping

Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo

A delightful blend of tropical flavors and crunch, featuring juicy shrimp coated in a crispy coconut crust, served with a sweet and slightly spicy dipping sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free substitute)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or coconut oil)
For the Sweet Chili Mayo
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, prepare the sweet chili mayo by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. Adjust lime juice to taste and set aside.
  2. Set up your breading station with three bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt and pepper), another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
Breading the Shrimp
  1. Dip each shrimp in the flour, shaking off excess, then coat with the beaten egg, letting extra drip off.
  2. Finally, roll the shrimp in the coconut and panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres.
Frying
  1. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Test by dropping in a small piece of bread - it should sizzle.
  2. Carefully add the breaded shrimp to the skillet in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
  3. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serving
  1. Serve the coconut shrimp warm with the sweet chili mayo for dipping.

Notes

For added crunch, use freshly shredded coconut. Make sure the oil is hot enough to avoid greasy shrimp. Allow the shrimp to rest on a paper towel after frying to maintain crispness.
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