Description
Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Pineapple Chili Sauce is a delightful appetizer combining crunchy coconut-coated shrimp fried to golden perfection and paired with a tangy, sweet, and spicy pineapple chili sauce. This dish balances crunchy textures with a vibrant sauce making it perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying, as needed (about 1/2 inch depth)
Sweet Pineapple Chili Sauce
- 1 cup Fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1–2 tablespoons Chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture for better coating adherence.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Shrimp: Coat each shrimp first in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the coconut-panko mixture to cover completely, assuring the coating sticks well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place shrimp in batches into the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Sweet Pineapple Chili Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine diced pineapple, honey, chili paste, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Sauce: Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the pineapple pieces soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Blend the Sauce (Optional): For a smooth consistency, carefully blend the sauce mixture until desired texture is achieved.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy coconut shrimp on a serving platter and drizzle with the pineapple chili sauce or serve it on the side for dipping to enjoy a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are patted very dry before breading to prevent soggy coating.
- You can adjust the heat of the chili paste to your preference for spiciness.
- Use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut depending on your taste preference; sweetened will add a hint of extra sweetness.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet while frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; warm slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: coconut shrimp, crispy shrimp, pineapple chili sauce, fried shrimp appetizer, tropical dipping sauce, sweet and spicy sauce
