Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined with tail on)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- About 2 cups canola oil (or vegetable or coconut oil, for frying)
Orange-Chili Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- Pinch salt (optional and to taste)
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional and to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Clean the shrimp by peeling and deveining, leaving the tails on, then set aside for battering.
- Prepare the coating stations: In a small bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper. In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 cups of oil into a Dutch oven or large skillet and heat over medium-high heat, aiming for an oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F for best frying results.
- Batter the shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the seasoned flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge thoroughly in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing the coating onto the shrimp to ensure it sticks well. Set the coated shrimp aside on a platter and recoat any shrimp with skimpy coverage using leftover mixture.
- Fry the shrimp: Add the shrimp in small batches (4 to 6 at a time) to the hot oil. Fry for about 2 to 4 minutes, flipping as needed, until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature, ensuring a crunchy crust.
- Drain the shrimp: Remove the fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with remaining shrimp.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine the orange marmalade, sweet Thai chili sauce, and, if desired, a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning or ratios to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the coconut shrimp warm with the orange-chili dipping sauce immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F is key for a crispy coating.
- Coat shrimp thoroughly with the coconut-panko mixture to ensure an even, crunchy crust.
- Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent crowding and cooling the oil.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness and heat of the sauce to your taste by modifying the orange marmalade and chili sauce ratios.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American