Print

Crispy Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp Recipe Easy Perfect 5-Step Guide

crispy red lobster coconut shrimp recipe - featured image

This crispy Red Lobster coconut shrimp recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tropical sweetness with a homemade tangy dipping sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for quick dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1620 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese brand)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted lightly
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (enough to fill pan 1-2 inches deep)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • ½ cup mayo
  • 12 tbsp sriracha, adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Dry shrimp are crucial for the coating to stick well.
  2. Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. Set up dredging stations: in one bowl, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper; in a second bowl, beat the eggs; in a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and toasted coconut thoroughly.
  4. Working in batches, dredge each shrimp first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the panko-coconut mixture, pressing lightly so it adheres well. Place coated shrimp on a plate.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a skillet about 1-2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If no thermometer, test with a small cube of bread; it should sizzle and turn golden in about 60 seconds.
  6. Carefully add shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Turn gently with tongs.
  7. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Rest for a couple of minutes so the coating sets and stays crisp.
  8. While frying, mix mayo, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Arrange the crispy coconut shrimp on a platter with lime wedges and the dipping sauce on the side. Serve warm.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before coating to ensure the breading sticks well. Toast shredded coconut separately to unlock natural sweetness and add toasty depth. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Use a wire rack to drain shrimp after frying to prevent sogginess. Adjust sriracha in dipping sauce to taste. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free panko. Air fryer option: spray coated shrimp lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut shrimp, crispy shrimp, Red Lobster style, seafood appetizer, easy shrimp recipe, fried shrimp, tropical shrimp, dipping sauce