Baked Coconut Shrimp

Introduction

Baked Coconut Shrimp is a mouthwatering, crispy appetizer that combines the best of both sweet and savory in every bite. These shrimp are coated in a crunchy, golden coconut crust and baked to perfection, offering a healthier alternative to the usual fried shrimp while still delivering that satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed party, looking for a light dinner, or simply want a flavorful snack, Baked Coconut Shrimp adds an exciting twist to your shrimp repertoire.

The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how easy they were to prepare and how delicious they turned out. Coating the shrimp in the coconut and breadcrumbs mixture was a fun, simple step, and once they were baked to crispy perfection, the aroma of toasted coconut filled the air. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili or a zesty mango salsa, these shrimp were gone in no time—everyone loved the tropical flavor and the perfect crunch.

What I love most about Baked Coconut Shrimp is its versatility. You can serve it as a fun appetizer, a light dinner alongside a fresh salad, or even as part of a larger seafood spread. The coconut crust adds a unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy dip, and you can customize the dipping sauce to suit your flavor preferences. No matter how you serve them, these shrimp are sure to be a hit and bring a bit of tropical flair to your table.

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Tropical-themed meals
• Light dinners
• Seafood lovers
• Game day snacks

Why You’ll Love This Baked Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Here’s why Baked Coconut Shrimp will become your new favorite appetizer:

• Crispy and Crunchy: The coconut coating provides a satisfying crunch while the shrimp inside remains tender and juicy.
• Healthier Option: Unlike fried shrimp, these are baked, reducing the amount of oil used without sacrificing flavor.
• Tropical Flavor: The combination of coconut and shrimp gives these bites a sweet, savory, and tropical taste.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this delicious dish in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Dipping: These shrimp are perfect for pairing with a variety of dipping sauces, from tangy mango chutney to classic cocktail sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Coconut Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: Lime wedges for serving
• Dipping sauce of your choice (mango chutney, sweet chili sauce, or cocktail sauce)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: The shrimp should be peeled and deveined to make them easy to eat and perfect for baking.
• Shredded Coconut: Sweetened coconut adds the perfect crunch and tropical flavor to the coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The panko breadcrumbs give the shrimp an extra crispness when baked.
• Eggs: The eggs help bind the coating to the shrimp, creating a golden, crispy exterior.
• Olive Oil: Helps the shrimp brown and crisp in the oven while keeping them moist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for an attractive presentation. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Prepare the Coating:

3. Mix Coconut and Breadcrumbs: In a shallow bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
4. Season the Flour: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Beat the Eggs: In a third shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

Coat the Shrimp:

6. Coat with Flour: Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess flour.
7. Dip in Egg: Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, coating them evenly.
8. Coat with Coconut Mixture: Roll the shrimp in the coconut-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.

Bake the Shrimp:

9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each shrimp.
10. Bake: Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serve and Enjoy:

11. Serve: Once baked, serve the shrimp hot with your choice of dipping sauce and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve Baked Coconut Shrimp

• With Sweet Chili Sauce – A classic pairing! The sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor of sweet chili sauce complements the coconut perfectly.
• On a Bed of Greens – Serve the shrimp on a fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich coconut.
• In Tacos – Use soft corn tortillas or flour tortillas to make shrimp tacos, topped with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of cilantro-lime dressing.
• With Mango Salsa – A tropical combination! Top the shrimp with a homemade mango salsa made with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of honey.
• With Rice – Serve over a bed of jasmine rice or coconut rice for a complete meal. You can also try adding a little cilantro or lime zest for extra flavor.
• As an Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks or skewers as a fun finger food for parties, along with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, spicy mayo, or guacamole.
• In a Wrap – Roll the shrimp in a flour tortilla with lettuce, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a tasty wrap.
• With Grilled Pineapple – For an extra tropical touch, serve alongside grilled pineapple rings or chunks for a sweet and savory contrast.
• On a Charcuterie Board – Add the shrimp to a seafood charcuterie board with other seafood options, like smoked salmon, along with cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit.
• With a Creamy Coconut Dipping Sauce – For an extra coconut flavor, make a simple dipping sauce using coconut milk, Greek yogurt, a little lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Additional Tips for Baked Coconut Shrimp

• Dry the Shrimp: Be sure to pat the shrimp dry before coating them to help the breadcrumbs and coconut adhere better.
• Even Coating: Press down lightly on the coconut mixture to ensure it sticks well to the shrimp during baking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: For the crispiest shrimp, avoid overcrowding the shrimp on the baking sheet. Leave space between each shrimp to allow even baking.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the shrimp immediately after baking.
• Customize the Coating: If you prefer a less sweet coconut flavor, use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened.

Recipe Variations for Baked Coconut Shrimp

1. Spicy Coconut Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coconut mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Citrus Coconut Shrimp: Zest a lime or orange and mix it into the coconut for an added citrusy flavor.
3. Garlic Parmesan Coconut Shrimp: Toss the baked shrimp in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
4. Coconut Shrimp Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers before baking for an easy-to-serve option.
5. Tropical Coconut Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in a mixture of coconut and crushed pineapple for an even more tropical flavor.
6. Almond-Coconut Shrimp: Add crushed almonds to the coconut-breadcrumb mixture for added texture and flavor.
7. Lemon Coconut Shrimp: Add lemon zest to the breading and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.
8. Honey Coconut Shrimp: Drizzle honey over the baked shrimp for a sweet finish.
9. Coconut-Lime Shrimp: Add a squeeze of lime juice to the coating and finish with a lime wedge on top.
10. Baked Coconut Shrimp Bites: Cut the shrimp into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized appetizers.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze, place the uncooked, coated shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, increasing the baking time by a few minutes.
• Storage: Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment for Baked Coconut Shrimp

• Baking Sheet or Tray
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
• Shallow Bowls (for coating)
• Tongs or Forks (for coating the shrimp)
• Meat Thermometer

FAQ for Baked Coconut Shrimp

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp works well, but make sure to thaw them fully before preparing.
2. Can I fry the shrimp instead of baking them? Yes, if you prefer fried shrimp, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
4. What’s the best dipping sauce for coconut shrimp? Mango chutney, sweet chili sauce, or a spicy aioli are all great choices.
5. Can I make these shrimp in advance? You can prep the shrimp by coating them and storing them in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking.

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Conclusion

Baked Coconut Shrimp is an irresistible appetizer or snack that combines a crispy, golden coconut coating with tender shrimp inside. This healthier baked version delivers all the flavor of the fried kind, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual dinners to holiday parties. With a simple preparation and endless customization options, this dish will quickly become a go-to recipe that everyone will love.

The tropical flavors of the coconut pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the shrimp, creating a delightful contrast in each bite. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce, like sweet chili or a zesty lime aioli, for the perfect finishing touch.

I can’t wait to see your Baked Coconut Shrimp creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you add your personal twist. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy cooking!