Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy coconut shrimp recipe is your answer. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying, ready in under 30 minutes, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual get-together. Let's dive into this delicious and simple recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely when frying. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Station
Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second, place the beaten eggs. In the third, spread the shredded coconut.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp thoroughly in the shredded coconut.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (a pinch of flour should sizzle immediately), carefully add the breaded shrimp in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Coconut Sauce
While the shrimp are frying, whisk together the coconut milk, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, and ginger in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until gently simmering and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Drizzle the creamy coconut sauce over the fried shrimp. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Coconut Shrimp:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches for best results.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey or maple syrup.
- Add a kick: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the sauce.
- Make it ahead: You can bread the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Variations:
- Spicy Coconut Shrimp: Add chili garlic sauce to the creamy coconut sauce for a spicy twist.
- Pineapple Coconut Shrimp: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a tropical flavor.
- Peanut Coconut Shrimp: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Protein: 20-25g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This creamy coconut shrimp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!