Here’s one of those recipes where tourists to the Caribbean may have more experience with than everyday islanders. When I posted the video (see below) for this coconut shrimp recipe on facebook, a fan mentioned that this is something more common in the tourist areas in the Caribbean. Though I tend to agree, I must also point out that any sort of fusion restaurant you go to in the Caribbean you may find this on their menu and I’m sure these restaurants are not in business to only cater to tourists (open to the public).
Whenever we’re in the Caribbean it’s our mission to search out restaurants with coconut shrimp on their menu as nothing beats having this made with freshly caught shrimp and flakes of coconut done earlier in the day. Rather than the frozen and prepackaged stuff we get in North America. Additionally, with the cool Caribbean breeze… along with an ice-cold Stag (any Caribbean larger) and a spicy mango dipping sauce.. time to relax and take it easy island style.
Here’s a quick coconut shrimp recipe you can whip-up the next time you have friends coming over or you’re attending a company potluck and something “island like” is expected from you…
You’ll Need…
2 eggs
3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 tea spoon pepper flakes (see note below)
1 lb shrimp (16-20)
1-1/4 cups coconut flakes (I used sweetened)
vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)
*Lime juice for washing the cleaned shrimp (lemon juice works just as well)
Note: I used 16-20 tiger shrimp since that’s what I got on sale. Tiger shrimp tends to be a bit more expensive, so use what’s affordable. Instead of using the pepper flakes I mentioned in the ingredient list, I opted for habanero pepper (freshly chopped), as I love the flavor and heat from it. You may also use scotch bonnet, cayenne powder or any flavorful hot pepper you like. If that sort of heat is not your thing, use fresh grounded black pepper. BTW, check your Asian grocery store as they usually have the bets deals on shrimp.
We’ll start off by preparing the shrimp. I was lucky enough that my shrimp was already deveined, so all I had to do was remove the sort of shell-like outer layer. But I kept the tail part for appearance and handling. Then using a pairing knife, I cut a deeper slit along the same line as it was deveined (around the natural curve) to butterfly the shrimp. The idea is to cut deep enough, but not cut all the way through. The video at the bottom should help you better understand the technique. Wash with the juice of 1 lime and cool water. Then drain/pat dry.
Next up we’ll make the batter. In a bowl, place the eggs, salt, pepper (I diced my habanero pepper very small) and flour.. then give it a good whisk. You should have a smooth, but runny batter.
The next step is to set up a sort of assembly line with the cleaned shrimp, coconut flakes (on a plate) and batter. I also lined my chopping board (you can use a cookie sheet) with parchment paper. The idea is to batter all the shrimp before you start, as they will cook very fast and you may not be quick enough when frying.
Holding each shrimp by the tail we left back when cleaning, dip them into the batter (coat evenly), then pat onto the coconut flakes. You may need to pat it on a bit to stick properly. Then place the now coated shrimp onto the parchment lined chopping board. Repeat until all the shrimp are coated.
I don’t use a thermometer to check actual temperature, but the oil should be heated to about 375°F (190°C). Start adding the shrimp (about 5-6 at a time) and try not to over-crowd the pan. They will start curling in and change color as they cook. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, then take out and drain on paper towels to get rid of the excess oil. If you’d like to prevent the shrimp from curling, see the video below to see how I used a skewer to help them keep their shape. The idea is to get the coconut golden brown that the shrimp is coated with.
This coconut shrimp is best enjoyed hot. However, you can cover them with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for about 4 hours. Then heat in a warm oven at 350F/180C oven until crisp and hot, about 6 minutes. The mango dipping sauce to accompany these tasty coconut shrimp is very easy to make and the full recipe for that can be found in the video below.
Though not a traditional “Caribbean” dish, this coconut shrimp is very tasty and be warned that you will get hooked the very fist time you try it. Before you go I invite you to leave me your comments below.. even if it just to say hello. It’s always appreciated. And don’t forget to join us on facebook and do check out the cooking videos.
Based on 19 Review(s)
I tried the spicy shrimp they came out so delicious I love your recipes how can I get one of your cookbooks
Simple and delicious. All i have to say. I just love your cooking style. Keep up the great work.
I also cannot find the recipe for the dipping sauce. I watched the video to its conclusion and I ended the pesky and annoying Marriott Hotel pop up numerous times, but no recipe appeared, Chris!
I also looked under all the usual suspects on the list of recipes that you so graciously provide on this website (thank you, btw!). I tried mango, sauce, dipping, shrimp, coconut, and spicy.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
I had Coconut Shrimp at the Barbados Golf Club and found them so yummy, I asked how I could make them myself on return from holiday. They told me they make it with Panko breadcrumbs from the supermarket. It was when I discovered on return, that Panko is nothing more than white breadcrumbs – when I THOUGHT that as it said ‘breadcrumbs’ it was combined with coconut shreddings or flavouring that I looked on the web to check what I had bought in Barbados. Having found your recipe,that is so different, what can I do to make my ‘tiger prawns'(that’s what we call the large shrimp) taste as delicious – do I now have to ‘ditch’ the Panko?
Still looking for the spicy mango sauce – have accessed the shrimp portion twice but neither time did it give the mango recipe
Very plain and simple instructions. Great video instructions but a much better meal! THANKS CHRIS!!
Thanks Chris. I sure to enjoy this recipe
Thank you for this interesting recipe. Mangoes are in season now . This will be a wonderful dish to serve my friends for weekend liming.
OMG Chris I just made the Coconut Shrimp with the Mango dipping sauce there's only one word to describe the both of them simply delicious next week I'll be trying the Curry Shrimp with the Coconut Milk, sugar you need your own cooking show I rate you right up there with Gavin will be ordering your cook book thanks for sharing your receipes will be looking for you on your own network soon good luck
You don't have a recipe for chow mein?
Made the dip and the coconut shrimp for the first time and brought it over to a friends place for dinner…there was 6 of us. I made way too much..about 40 shrimp…we ate them all and people raved about the taste of both the shrimp and dip. I doubled the dip recipe but only added I scotch pepper and it still had lots of bite to it. Thanks for making me look good Chris 🙂
I just made this for my family and everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing.
great recipe Chris, its a must try……….. and tnx for all other great recipes loving them…….
Thanks Christ for all your tip,but you forgot to mention if the ginger is suppose to be incorporated in the bullet blender.
Hi So glad I came across this site. I will definately be making these as appetizers for my next dinner party along with the mango sauce. I especially appreciated the tip about the toothpicks to keep them straight and easier to dip with the picks in.Thanks again for the recipe as well as the great instructions.
I know we will be enjoying these!
hey , so glad i came across this site. Always wanted to know how to make coconut shrimp. thanks for sharing and I know my family and I will be enjoying this recipe.
Hi Chris, thanks very much for this Recipe, it is very straight-forward, keep up the Great Work.
This sounds lovely and seems straight forward and easy. Will definitely be trying this one next time I have a dinner party.
Hi, Chris keep doing what you do, always loving it, could you post the Mango dip sauce for me I have problems with the video.
Thanks.
Hi Chris – I am working on ideas for a Caribbean themed luncheon and I am pinning your recipes like crazy to Pinterest today :-). Thanks so much for the great site and the great ideas!
Love it. Thanks
Chris God bless you . You are so good at what you do
Thanks Chris for this awesome recipe, I will be making these for my Christmas guests.
This sounds so delicious……. Can't wait to try it!