Ultra Crispy Fried Coconut Shrimp (with a Piña Colada Sauce!)

panko breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: whole wheat breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: regular breadcrumbs

Whole wheat breadcrumbs offer more fiber.

coconut flakes

🥗Healthier: unsweetened coconut flakes

💰Cheaper: shredded coconut

Unsweetened coconut reduces sugar content.

Select shrimp at the grocery store, preferably peeled and deveined with tails on.

Use shrimp that are about 20 to 25 or 26 to 30 count per pound for best results.

In a large bowl, add shrimp and sprinkle with 1/3 cup gluten-free flour, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until well coated.

In one of the shallow bowls, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk.

In the last bowl, combine 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss until well combined.

Remove one flour-coated shrimp, dip it in the egg wash, and let excess run off before coating in the coconut and Panko mixture. Press the mixture into the shrimp to help it stick.

Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet or large plate and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp.

If using smaller shrimp, adjust the coconut and breadcrumb mixture by adding more in a 3:2 ratio with a pinch of salt if you run out.

Heat a large ceramic non-stick skillet or stainless steel skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil, enough to cover the bottom of the skillet.

Once the oil begins to sizzle, add 6-8 shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until cooked through and curled up.

Remove cooked shrimp and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining shrimp.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/3 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, and 2 teaspoons sugar or coconut sugar. Mix until well combined.

Serve shrimp immediately with the piña colada dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens