Crunchy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Jan 20, 2012 6:01 pm
Fry up addictive beer-battered coconut shrimp
By
Photo: Gabi Porter
Make these spicy-sweet coconut shrimp by the several dozen — they're a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Coconut shrimp are ubiquitous in restaurant chains and steakhouses, but 9 times out of 10 they are frozen, then deep-fried and served with a cloyingly sweet sauce. More people should make them at home, as they are so easy to execute, and they're a sure crowd pleaser. We use a classic beer batter and up the sweetness with a little sugar. The secret is to mix sweet coconut with unsweetened coconut to get a nice balanced coating. Served with a spicy chili garlic sauce, they are a knockout.
Molly Quirk is executive chef and owner of Sips & Bites Catering.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds extra-large shrimp, cleaned, deveined, tail left intact
1 12-ounce bottle of beer (we used Corona)
1 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
2 cups sweetened baking coconut
1 cup desiccated unsweetened coconut
2 cups canola oil, for frying
3 tablespoons sambal oelek
1 lime, zested and juiced
Directions:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Mix beer, flour, butter, egg, sugar, salt and pepper in a bowl
- Put 1 cup of all purpose flour in another bowl and mix the coconut in a third bowl.
- One at a time, holding by the tail, dredge the shrimp into the flour and pat off excess. Dip into the batter and then roll in the coconut pressing down lightly to adhere. Place on a baking sheet and repeat until all the shrimp are covered.
- Heat 2 cups of canola oil in a 12-inch frying pan, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Test the oil using the end of a wooden spoon — when it bubbles it's ready.
- One at a time, carefully lay the shrimp into the oil and fry in batches until golden brown turning once, about 2 minutes per side. The shrimp will be tightly curled when fully cooked.
- Drain on layers of paper towel, and serve immediately with the sauce.
Level of Difficulty:
Moderate
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
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