Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring shrimp coated in panko and sweetened coconut flakes, baked until golden and crispy. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried takeout, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt (for egg mixture)
- 1 tsp black pepper (for egg mixture)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1.5 cups shredded sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for spicy dip)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two standard baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure breading sticks.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and salt/pepper, and one with mixed panko and coconut flakes.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then roll in the panko-coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place coated shrimp on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until shrimp are pink and coconut is golden brown and crispy.
- Optional: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving immediately with Thai sweet chili sauce.
Notes
Patting the shrimp dry is crucial for crispiness. Use sweetened coconut for better caramelization; if using unsweetened, add sugar to the panko. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking sheet. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crunch; do not microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-6 sh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 24
Keywords: coconut shrimp, baked shrimp, seafood dinner, weeknight meals, healthy takeout alternative, panko shrimp, easy recipes