Chinese Coconut Shrimp
I still remember the first time I served Chinese-style coconut shrimp at a casual dinner party — the contrast of crisp, golden coconut crust and a silky, slightly sweet coconut cream dipping sauce had everyone passing the plate twice. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a showy appetizer or weeknight main that’s crisp, tropical, and quick enough for a last-minute gathering. If you like shrimp with bright, island flavors, you might also enjoy my take on zesty lime shrimp coconut rice bowls for another shrimp-forward, coconut-accented meal.
Why you’ll love this dish
This coconut shrimp hits a few sweet spots: it’s fast to make, kid-friendly, and delivers an impressive sweet-savory contrast without fuss. The coconut-breadcrumb crust gives light, satisfying crunch while the coconut cream dipping sauce keeps the flavor focused and indulgent. It’s ideal for small dinner parties, game-night snacks, or a simple, tropical weeknight dinner.
“Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside — a tiny vacation on a plate.” — A regular at my dinner table
Beyond the flavor, it’s flexible: use it as an appetizer, tuck the shrimp into tacos, or serve over rice for a fuller meal. The technique is straightforward, so even cooks who don’t deep-fry often can get excellent results.
How this recipe comes together
This recipe follows a classic breading routine and a quick pan-fry:
- Make a simple coconut cream dipping sauce (coconut cream + honey).
- Set up a three-bowl breading station: flour, beaten eggs, and a coconut + breadcrumb mix.
- Dredge shrimp through flour → egg → coconut-breadcrumb, pressing the coating on.
- Shallow- or deep-fry in hot oil until the coating is golden and the shrimp are opaque.
- Drain briefly and serve warm with the sauce.
That’s it — minimal steps, maximum payoff.
What you’ll need
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off, your choice)
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened; unsweetened keeps things less sweet)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives extra crunch)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying (neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut)
Notes and substitutions:
- For a lighter crust, use 3/4 cup panko and 1/4 cup shredded coconut.
- To make gluten-free, swap the flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free flour mix and gluten-free panko.
- If you prefer a milder dip, substitute half the coconut cream with plain yogurt or thin coconut milk.
Step-by-step instructions
- Mix the dipping sauce: whisk the coconut cream with honey in a small bowl. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Set aside at room temperature.
- Set up your breading station: place the flour in the first shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and combine the shredded coconut and breadcrumbs in the third. Season each with a little salt.
- Dry the shrimp with paper towels so the coating sticks. Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the coconut-breadcrumb mix until well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to medium-high (about 350–375°F / 175–190°C if you have a thermometer). There should be enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the shrimp pieces.
- Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the shrimp are opaque and curled. Don’t overcook — shrimp cooks quickly.
- Remove to a paper towel–lined tray to drain briefly. Sprinkle with a little salt while hot. Serve warm with the coconut cream sauce.
Quick safety tip: shrimp are done when opaque throughout and reach 145°F internally. Hot oil can splatter — use a splatter screen and a long-handled slotted spoon or tongs.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Appetizer: arrange the shrimp on a platter with lime wedges and the coconut cream dip in the center.
- Main course: serve over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice with a side of crunchy slaw.
- Tacos: tuck crispy shrimp into warm tortillas with cabbage, mango salsa, and a drizzle of the coconut sauce thinned with lime juice.
- Party platter: pair with sweet-chili sauce and pickled vegetables for variety.
Pair this with a lightly acidic side (lime, pickled cucumber, or a citrus slaw) to balance the richness.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crust will soften, so re-crisp before serving.
- Reheating: reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until hot and crisp. An air fryer works well at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy.
- Freezing: flash-freeze the cooked, cooled shrimp on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven, adding a few extra minutes.
- Food safety: never leave cooked seafood at room temperature more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F).
Pro chef tips
- Pat shrimp very dry before breading — moisture is the enemy of crispness.
- Press the coconut-breadcrumb mix firmly onto the shrimp so it adheres during frying.
- Keep oil temperature steady; too cool and the crust will absorb oil; too hot and the coconut can burn before the shrimp cooks. Aim for around 350–375°F.
- Use a thermometer on your oil for reliable results.
- If short on time, toast the coconut first in a dry skillet for deeper flavor before mixing with breadcrumbs. For more shrimp-centric coconut recipes, I also use techniques from this blackened shrimp stroganoff adaptation to layer flavor: blackened shrimp stroganoff.
Creative twists
- Baked version: spray coated shrimp lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.
- Spicy glaze: brush fried shrimp with a mixture of sweet chili sauce and a little sriracha.
- Nutty crust: swap half the coconut for finely chopped macadamia nuts or almonds.
- Tropical salad: toss warm shrimp over mixed greens, mango, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette.
- Creamier dip: stir a little mayo or Greek yogurt into the coconut cream for tang and body.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes. Pat completely dry before breading to prevent soggy crust.
Q: Is coconut cream the same as coconut milk?
A: No — coconut cream is thicker and richer. You can use full-fat coconut milk in a pinch, but the dipping sauce will be thinner and less luxurious. If using milk, reduce slightly to concentrate flavor or stir in a little Greek yogurt.
Q: How can I make this less sweet?
A: Use unsweetened shredded coconut and reduce the honey in the dipping sauce. Add a squeeze of lime to the sauce to cut sweetness.
Q: How long does cooked shrimp keep?
A: In the fridge, 1–2 days. For best quality and safety, eat within that window.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Yes — see the baked suggestion in “Creative twists.” Baking yields less oil but slightly less crispness than frying.
Conclusion
If you want to compare a few buffet-style and creamy takes on coconut shrimp recipes, the straightforward proportions and technique here make it easy to adapt and match the flavor profile you prefer. For a buffet-style, crunchy interpretation, check out Best Chinese Coconut Shrimp (Buffet Style). If you’re curious about a richer, creamier take inspired by Chinese buffet flavors, this EASY Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe (Chinese Buffet Style!) offers another practical approach.
Enjoy the contrast of crunchy coconut and silky coconut cream — it’s one of those simple recipes that feels festive every time.
Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off, your choice)
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened; unsweetened keeps things less sweet)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour mix.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives extra crunch) Can be substituted with gluten-free panko.
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut cream Can be thinned with plain yogurt for a milder dip.
- 1 tablespoon honey Adjust quantity to taste.
- Salt to taste Salt
- Oil for frying Neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut
For serving
- Lime wedges Lime wedges To pair with the shrimp.
- Cabbage, mango salsa Tacos with cabbage, mango salsa Optional for taco serving style.
- Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice Rice for serving Optional for main course.
Instructions
Preparation of Dipping Sauce
- Whisk the coconut cream with honey in a small bowl and taste; add a pinch of salt if needed. Set aside at room temperature.
Breading Station Setup
- Place the flour in the first shallow bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and combine shredded coconut and breadcrumbs in the third. Season each with a little salt.
Preparing the Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks. Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the coconut-breadcrumb mix until well coated.
Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to medium-high (about 350–375°F / 175–190°C). There should be enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the shrimp.
- Fry shrimp in batches to avoid crowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the shrimp are opaque.
- Remove cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined tray to drain briefy and sprinkle with salt while hot.
Serving
- Serve shrimp warm with the coconut cream dipping sauce, lime wedges, and any additional side options.
