Looking for a delicious way to bring the taste of the coast to your kitchen? This coconut shrimp recipe delivers crispy, golden shrimp with a sweet and savory crunch that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or whenever you want an easy seafood dish that feels like a restaurant favorite, made right at home.

coconut shrimp recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup beer
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 2 cups flaked coconut
  • 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on)
  • 3 cups oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Make the Batter:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, ½ cup flour, beer, and baking powder until smooth.
    • Place ¼ cup flour and coconut in two separate shallow bowls.
  2. Coat the Shrimp:
    • Hold each shrimp by the tail and dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess.
    • Dip the shrimp into the beer batter, then roll in the coconut until evenly coated.
    • Lay shrimp on a wax-paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the coating set.
  3. Fry the Shrimp
    • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot.
    • Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
  4. Serve and Enjoy
    • Remove shrimp with tongs and drain on paper towels.
    • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Sweet chili or pineapple salsa pairs perfectly!

Quick Sauce Ideas

  • Sweet chili: bottled sweet chili sauce, squeeze of lime.
  • Pineapple-lime: pineapple preserves + lime juice + pinch of salt.
  • Orange-ginger: orange marmalade + grated fresh ginger + splash of rice vinegar.

Easy Prep and Frying Tips

  • Chill the coated shrimp up to 4 hours before frying.
  • Keep batches warm on a wire rack in a 250°F oven (helps keep them crisp).
  • For extra crunch, use half panko and half coconut.

Coconut Shrimp Recipe Without Deep Frying

  • Oven-baked: Arrange on a greased rack over a sheet pan. Spray lightly with oil. Bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, turning once.
  • Air fryer: 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway. Light oil spray helps browning.

A Note from NC Seafood

This coconut shrimp recipe is a simple way to enjoy coastal flavors at home. While it’s not on our menu, you can always visit NC Seafood in Raleigh for Calabash-style classics like fried shrimp, flounder, and oysters.

View our menu or order online to enjoy your local favorites.