Baked Coconut Shrimp

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Wish you could escape to an exotic beach? Me too! These baked coconut shrimp may not be the perfect substitute for crashing waves and windswept palms, but they’ll definitely satisfy your appetite’s wanderlust.

And even better—this oven-baked version is a lot more healthy than deep-fried shrimp, so they’re perfect if you’re working on your beach bod. A triple hit of coconut—oil, flakes, and milk—gives the shrimp a subtly sweet, tropical flavor that’s well balanced by a hint of lime and salt.

If you like things extra spicy, add a little extra sriracha to the dipping sauce. Fair warning—you might need a fruity umbrella drink or an ice-cold beer on the side.

How to Get Extra Crispy Coconut Shrimp

The best way to get extra crispy baked shrimp is to use panko breadcrumbs because they’re super crispy and much lighter than regular breadcrumbs. I used a mix of panko crumbs and coconut flakes for an extra coconut kick and it works perfectly!

How to Make Baked Coconut Shrimp

1. In a medium skillet, heat canola and sesame oil over medium heat. Add panko, coconut, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; immediately transfer to a small bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; coat generously with cooking spray. In another small bowl, whisk together, egg, coconut milk, lime zest, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Place flour in another small bowl.
3. Pat shrimp dry; working a few at a time, lightly toss in flour, dip in egg mixture, then dredge in coconut mixture, pressing gently to coat. Place breaded shrimp on prepared baking sheet; spray tops with cooking spray.
4. Bake until shrimp are cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
5. While shrimp cool, whisk together honey, vinegar, sriracha, and chile flakes. Serve sauce with shrimp; garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Should You Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp?

I used large fresh shrimp for this recipe and if you can get them fresh I’d recommend to use them because they have a higher quality taste than frozen. That being said frozen shrimp will work just as well with this recipe.

If you are using frozen just make sure to defrost them thoroughly, rinse them and pat them dry before using to make sure there isn’t any excess water.

The Best Chile Honey Dipping Sauce

The dipping sauce for these coconut shrimp is the perfect mix of sweet, sour and spicy and it really couldn’t be easier to make! I used a mix of honey, red wine vinegar, sriracha sauce, and red pepper flakes and it goes perfectly with the sweet and juicy coconut shrimp!

Top Tips for Making the Best Baked Coconut Shrimp

• When you’re toasting the coconut and panko crumbs make sure to keep an eye on it because it browns very quickly and will easily burn.
• Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before breading.
• Make sure to spray the baking sheet with cooking spray so the shrimp don’t stick.
• Leftover shrimp can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days or can be frozen in batches.
• The dipping sauce will last for 3-5 days in the fridge and can be used in so many different ways from on salads to over chicken.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Try:

• Honey-Jalapeño Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• Shrimp Boil
• Shrimp Ceviche with Mango
• Garlic Shrimp with Crispy Pancetta

Print

Baked Coconut Shrimp

The most delicious oven baked coconut shrimp that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and are served with a super simple yet punchy sweet and sour chile honey dipping sauce. 

Course Appetizer

Cuisine thai

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 553 kcal

Author John Kanell

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 cup panko
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 tsp. kosher salt divided
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp. lime zest
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 lb. large fresh shrimp peeled and deveined

For the Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. sriracha
• 1/8 tsp. red chile flakes
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium skillet, heat canola and sesame oil over medium heat. Add panko, coconut, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.

2. Remove from heat; immediately transfer to a small bowl. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; coat generously with cooking spray.

3. In another small bowl, whisk together, egg, coconut milk, lime zest, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. 

4. Place flour in another small bowl. Pat shrimp dry; working a few at a time, lightly toss in flour, dip in egg mixture, then dredge in coconut mixture, pressing gently to coat.

5. Place breaded shrimp on prepared baking sheet; spray tops with cooking spray. 

6. Bake until shrimp are cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.

7. While shrimp cool, whisk together honey, vinegar, sriracha, and chile flakes. Serve sauce with shrimp; garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Recipe Notes

• When you're toasting the coconut and panko crumbs make sure to keep an eye on it because it browns very quickly and will easily burn.
• Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before breading.
• Make sure to spray the baking sheet with cooking spray so the shrimp don't stick.
• Leftover shrimp can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days or can be frozen in batches.
• The dipping sauce will last for 3-5 days in the fridge and can be used in so many different ways from on salads to over chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Amount Per Serving

Calories 553 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 18g 28%

Saturated Fat 13g 65%

Cholesterol 326mg 109%

Sodium 1559mg 65%

Potassium 292mg 8%

Total Carbohydrates 69g 23%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 43g

Protein 29g 58%

Vitamin A 2.1%

Vitamin C 6.6%

Calcium 20.4%

Iron 28.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.