Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Zesty Apricot-Chili Dip
These golden-fried coconut shrimp are crunchy, sweet, and perfectly juicy inside. Paired with a spicy apricot dipping sauce, they make a knockout appetizer or main dish that tastes just like your favorite beachside seafood shack!
🍴 Ingredients
For the Coconut Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Spicy Apricot Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½–1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
🔥 Instructions
Prep the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow bowls—one with the flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko and coconut combined.
Coat the Shrimp:
Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the coconut-panko mixture. Press gently to help it stick.
Fry to Crispy Perfection:
Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Serve and Dip:
Arrange shrimp on a platter and serve immediately with the spicy apricot sauce on the side.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Make the Best Coconut Shrimp
- 🍤 Large Raw Shrimp – Deveined – Skip the prep work with cleaned, tail-on shrimp ready to go.
- 🍯 Apricot Preserves – The base for your sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
- 🔥 Red Pepper Flakes – Adds that perfect heat to balance the sweetness.
- 🍳 Heavy-Duty Frying Pan – Great for shallow frying with even heat distribution.
- 🥄 3-Piece Dredging Bowl Set – Organize your breading steps mess-free.
- 🧼 Oil Splatter Screen – Keeps your stovetop clean while frying.
- 🌡️ Digital Instant-Read Thermometer – Ensure the oil is at the right temp for the crispiest results.
💡 Helpful Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture or a splash of lime juice to the apricot sauce!