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a hand dipping crispy coconut shrimp into a small bowl of sweet chili sauce
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Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

These perfectly crispy coconut shrimp served with a lime sweet chili sauce are perfect for movie night or to accompany homemade Chinese takeout.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 396kcal
Author Ashley C.

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces large shrimp peeled with tail on, (about 40 shrimp)
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut shavings
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • vegetable oil for frying (canola, coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste or finely minced garlic
  • Handful of freshly chopped cilantro minced
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • Juice from 1/2 lime

Instructions

  • Heat the vegetable oil to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep-frying pan or Dutch oven. Add enough oil to the pot so that the oil is about 1/4" to 1/2" inches deep. (Alternatively, you can fry these in an air fryer, see instructions below.)
  • Whisk the coconut and breadcrumbs together in a bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and salt together.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
  • Once the oil is hot, dip one shrimp at a time into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then press on the coconut, then fry. Add no more than 8 shrimp at a time to the pan to keep it hot. Fry on each side for about 1 minute, or until they turn a light golden color.
  • Remove and drain the excess oil over a plate fitted with a paper towel, or over a cookie drying rack.
  • To make the sauce, mix the garlic and chili sauce together. Microwave for 2 minutes, stirring half-way through. Remove and let cool for a few minutes before stirring in the lime juice and cilantro.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS: You can also fry these coconut shrimp in the air fryer. Heat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the shrimp into the air fryer so that they are not touching. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway.
***Nutritional information does NOT include the vegetable oil for frying. Depending on how much oil is used, the nutritional info will vary. 

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 314mg | Sodium: 1576mg | Potassium: 259mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 209mg | Iron: 5mg