The tantalizing aroma of Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce often evokes memories of leisurely travels, adventurous outings, or bustling work trips. This delectable dish features plump shrimp coated in a crispy layer of shredded coconut, served alongside a savory dipping sauce that perfectly complements its flavors. The succulent shrimp, encased in a golden-brown crust of coconut, offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors with each bite. Intrigued by its irresistible appeal, I embarked on a culinary journey to master the art of creating this dish. Through experimentation and dedication, I achieved success in crafting Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce, and now, I am excited to share this flavorful recipe with you. Join me in savoring the tropical flavors and satisfying crunch of Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce.
Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce recipe
Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
Equipment
- 1 oven
Ingredients
Coconut Shrimp
- 14 bamboo or wooden skewers 4 to 6 inch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper cayenne
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- 3/4 cup crispy bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
- 28 uncooked large shrimp about 1 lb, thawed if frozen, peeled, deveined, tails left on
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup apricot or peach preserves
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1 Soak skewers in water for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F. Line 15×10-inch baking pan with sides with foil; lightly spray foil with cooking spray.
- 2 In shallow dish, stir together flour, curry powder, salt and ground red pepper. In another shallow dish, beat egg and water until blended. In another shallow dish, mix bread crumbs and coconut.
- 3 Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Coat shrimp with flour mixture. Dip into egg mixture; coat well with crumb mixture.Thread 2 shrimp on each skewer, leaving space between each. Place in pan.
- 4 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and coating begins to brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix sauce ingredients.
- 5 Serve shrimp with sauce for dipping.
Cooking tips about Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Use Large Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp (prawns) for this recipe as they provide a meaty texture and are perfect for coating with shredded coconut.
- Peel and Devein Shrimp: Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before coating them with coconut. This ensures a clean presentation and removes any gritty texture.
- Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before coating them with coconut. This helps the coconut adhere better to the shrimp and ensures a crispier texture when frying.
- Season the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper before coating them with coconut. This adds flavor to the shrimp and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Prepare a Dredging Station: Set up a dredging station with three bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with shredded coconut. Dredge each shrimp in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with shredded coconut.
- Chill the Shrimp: After coating the shrimp with coconut, chill them in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before frying. Chilling helps the coating to set and prevents it from falling off during frying.
- Fry in Batches: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use Coconut Oil for Frying: For an extra coconut flavor, consider using coconut oil for frying the shrimp. It adds a subtle tropical aroma to the dish.
- Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead: Prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together. This enhances the taste of the sauce and makes it ready to serve when the shrimp are cooked.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce immediately after frying while they are still hot and crispy for the best taste and texture.
Serving suggestions about Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the cooked coconut shrimp before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the coconut shrimp just before eating. The citrusy tang will enhance the flavors and add a refreshing touch.
- Pair with Tropical Sides: Serve the coconut shrimp with tropical-inspired side dishes such as pineapple salsa, mango avocado salad, or coconut rice for a complete meal with complementary flavors.
- Include Fresh Greens: Serve the coconut shrimp on a bed of fresh mixed greens or shredded lettuce for added freshness and texture.
- Offer Different Dipping Sauces: Provide a variety of dipping sauces alongside the main dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, or tangy Thai peanut sauce, to give guests options and enhance the flavor experience.
- Add Crunchy Elements: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts, such as peanuts or cashews, over the coconut shrimp for added crunch and texture.
- Serve as Appetizers or Main Course: Serve the coconut shrimp as an appetizer for parties or gatherings, or as a main course paired with sides for a satisfying meal.
- Create a Buffet Spread: Set up a buffet-style serving station with the coconut shrimp, dipping sauce, and various sides and garnishes, allowing guests to customize their plates according to their preferences.
- Include Cocktail Pairings: Offer refreshing tropical cocktails such as piña coladas, coconut mojitos, or mango margaritas to complement the flavors of the coconut shrimp and create a cohesive dining experience.
- Decorate with Edible Flowers: For an elegant presentation, garnish the serving platter with edible flowers such as orchids or nasturtiums to add visual appeal and a touch of sophistication.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for Coconut Shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Thaw them completely before using and pat them dry to ensure the coating sticks well during frying.
- How do I make the dipping sauce for Coconut Shrimp? The dipping sauce for Coconut Shrimp is typically made with a combination of ingredients such as sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, lime juice, and sriracha. Mix the ingredients together until well combined, then adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Can I bake the Coconut Shrimp instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the Coconut Shrimp instead of frying for a lighter alternative. Arrange the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- How do I store leftover Coconut Shrimp? Store leftover Coconut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through to maintain their crispy texture.
- Can I make Coconut Shrimp ahead of time for a party? Yes, you can prepare the Coconut Shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. Just make sure to coat the shrimp with the shredded coconut right before frying to prevent the coating from becoming soggy. You can also prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until serving.
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