Looking for a tropical twist on a classic seafood dish? Look no further than this delightful Coconut Shrimp recipe! Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, these coconut shrimp are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny beach. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of the islands, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish at home!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sweet chili sauce, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. **Set Up Dredging Station:** In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your dredging station. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
3. **Coat the Shrimp:** One at a time, dip each seasoned shrimp into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. **Fry the Shrimp:** In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). Fry the coated shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through.
5. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the fried shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the coconut shrimp hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
6. **Enjoy!** These crunchy coconut shrimp are best served fresh and hot, right out of the frying pan. The combination of crispy coconut coating and succulent shrimp inside will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re enjoying these as a casual appetizer or as a main course alongside some rice and vegetables, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking to add a taste of the tropics to your next meal, give this Coconut Shrimp recipe a try. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that brings a burst of flavor to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade coconut shrimp!