Ingredients
Batter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup rice flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp fresh lime zest (from 1 medium lime)
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Coating
- 1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Shrimp
- 1½ lbs extra large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Frying
- 3-4 cups neutral oil (for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil)
Sweet Chili Sauce
- ½ cup Kewpie mayo
- 2 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sriracha
- 1-2 tsp fresh lime juice (to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Garnish
- Flaky sea salt
- Scallions
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges from 1-2 limes
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ½ cup rice flour, ½ cup water, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp fresh lime zest, ½ tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp Kosher salt, and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, mix 1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut flakes with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs to create the breading mixture.
- Coat the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Hold each shrimp by the tail and dip it fully into the batter, letting excess drip off, then transfer it to the coconut-panko mixture and coat thoroughly on all sides. Place coated shrimp on a plate or wire rack. Repeat for all shrimp.
- Freeze the shrimp: Place the breaded shrimp in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. This step prevents overcooking during frying by firming up the coating.
- Make the sweet chili sauce: In a bowl, combine ½ cup Kewpie mayo, 2 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 Tbsp Sriracha, 1 tsp fresh lime juice, and 1 grated garlic clove. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning by adding the remaining lime juice or a pinch of Kosher salt if desired.
- Heat the oil: Pour 3-4 cups of neutral oil into a skillet or pan to a depth of 1-2 inches. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Fry the shrimp: In batches, carefully lower a few shrimp into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on each side, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined wire rack. Immediately season with flaky sea salt. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the crispy coconut shrimp hot alongside the sweet chili sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the shrimp are thoroughly dried before dipping in batter to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Freezing the breaded shrimp helps maintain crunchiness by preventing the batter from falling off during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying results.
- For a less spicy sauce, reduce or omit the Sriracha.
- Serve immediately after frying for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion