Coconut shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Sweet. Crunchy. Dippable. The kind of appetizer that disappears before it hits the table. And honestly? They’re stupidly easy to make at home.
No deep fryer required. Just dredge, coat, bake (or fry), and watch people lose their minds. That orange marmalade dipping sauce? Mandatory. Let’s go.
Ingredients
Serves 4 as an appetizer.
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (80g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup (80g) sweetened shredded coconut
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup (160g) orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Stations
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Set up three bowls: (1) flour + salt + pepper, (2) beaten eggs, (3) panko + coconut mixed together.
Step 2: Dredge and Coat
- Pat shrimp dry. Dip each shrimp into flour, then egg, then coconut-panko mixture. Press gently so it sticks.
- Place on baking sheet. Repeat with all shrimp.
Step 3: Cook
- Baking: Spray shrimp with cooking spray. Bake 10-12 minutes, flip halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Frying: Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Whisk marmalade, soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar in a small bowl.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with sauce on the side. Watch them vanish.
Summary
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10-12 mins | Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 appetizer servings
Difficulty: Easy
Storage Notes
Coconut shrimp is best eaten fresh. Leftovers get soggy. If you must, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes or in the oven. Never microwave—rubber shrimp is sadness. Make extra sauce. It’s good on everything.
