Crispy coconut shrimp is a golden, crunchy appetizer that perfectly balances sweetness and savory flavors. The shrimp are coated in a light coconut and panko crust, fried to perfection, and paired with a tangy, homemade plum dipping sauce. This dish is ideal for parties, special occasions, or as a restaurant-quality treat at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful – The combination of coconut and panko creates an irresistible crunch.
- Easy to make – Simple steps and readily available ingredients.
- Perfectly balanced – Sweet coconut shrimp pairs beautifully with the tangy plum sauce.
- Great for entertaining – A fantastic appetizer for gatherings and parties.
- Customizable – Can be baked or air-fried for a lighter version.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shrimp:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Large eggs, beaten
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying (avocado or vegetable)
For the Plum Sauce:
- Plum jam
- Vinegar (rice vinegar or mirin)
- Onion powder
- Ginger powder
- Allspice
- Garlic salt
- Water (adjust for consistency)
Directions
For the Shrimp:
- Rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, and salt.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, and coat with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add oil (about 1/4 inch deep).
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack to drain excess oil.
For the Plum Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, mix the plum jam, vinegar, onion powder, ginger powder, allspice, garlic salt, and water.
- Bring to a boil over low heat, then simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Baked version: Bake shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-fried version: Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and panko for a gluten-free version.
- Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mixture for heat.
- Alternative dipping sauces: Serve with sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, or honey mustard.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded (uncooked) shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before breading.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for a crispy texture and easier handling.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but sweetened coconut provides better caramelization and a more balanced flavor.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to press the coconut-panko mixture firmly onto the shrimp and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying.
Can I make the plum sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheat before serving.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado, vegetable, or canola oil.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Rice vinegar or mirin works best, but apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp should be golden brown and opaque inside, with an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C).
What side dishes pair well with coconut shrimp?
Serve with coleslaw, rice, or a fresh mango salad for a tropical twist.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just fry in batches to maintain crispiness and keep the shrimp warm in a low-temperature oven.
Conclusion
Crispy coconut shrimp with plum sauce is a delicious, restaurant-quality appetizer that is easy to make at home. With its golden, crunchy coating and sweet, tangy dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these shrimp will be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy a tropical-inspired seafood treat!
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Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Plum Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Golden, crunchy coconut shrimp served with a sweet and tangy plum dipping sauce—perfect for an appetizer or party snack!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying (avocado or vegetable)
For the Plum Sauce:
- 1 cup plum jam
- 1 tbsp vinegar (rice vinegar or mirin)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 pinch garlic salt
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup water (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
For the Shrimp:
- Rinse shrimp in cold water and pat dry.
- Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, and salt.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine shredded coconut and panko.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat with oil (about 1/4-inch deep).
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack.
For the Plum Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, mix all sauce ingredients.
- Bring to a boil over low heat, then simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and panko.
- Serve with extra lime wedges for a citrusy touch.
- Air-fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tropical, Asian-Inspired
