Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp with Zesty Mango Dipping Sauce
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp, expertly coated with a luscious blend of sweetened coconut and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. This healthier alternative to traditional fried shrimp offers all the flavor with significantly fewer calories, making it perfect for guilt-free snacking or entertaining guests. The addition of cornstarch ensures that the coating clings well, resulting in crispy and satisfying bites. Paired with a vibrant Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce that balances sweetness with a hint of heat, this dish is bound to impress at any gathering. Enjoy this delightful culinary experience in under an hour!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Sweetened coconut, flaked
1 cup (none)
Panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
Cornstarch
1/2 cup (none)
Egg whites
2 (slightly beaten)
Canola oil
1 teaspoon (for greasing and spray)
Onion
2/3 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh ginger
1 inch (grated)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Mango nectar
8 ounces (none)
Scotch bonnet pepper sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Lime juice
4 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp?
It is a healthier alternative to traditional fried shrimp, featuring a coating of sweetened coconut and panko breadcrumbs baked until crunchy.
How is this coconut shrimp recipe healthier?
This recipe is baked rather than deep-fried, which significantly reduces the calorie count while maintaining a crispy texture.
What ingredients are in the shrimp coating?
The coating consists of a mixture of sweetened flaked coconut, panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and slightly beaten egg whites.
What type of shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for one pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined with the tails left on.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used to help the coconut and panko coating adhere better to the shrimp, ensuring a satisfying and even crust.
What is in the Zesty Mango Dipping Sauce?
The sauce is made from mango nectar, finely chopped onion, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper sauce, lime juice, and salt.
How do you make the mango sauce spicy?
The heat in the sauce comes from one tablespoon of Scotch bonnet pepper sauce, which balances the sweetness of the mango.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire culinary experience, including prep and baking, can be completed in under one hour.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are completely thawed, peeled, deveined, and patted dry before coating.
What kind of coconut is recommended?
The recipe specifies sweetened flaked coconut to provide a luscious flavor and contrast to the savory shrimp.
How many egg whites are needed?
You will need two egg whites, slightly beaten, to act as the binding agent for the coconut crust.
Is there any oil used in this recipe?
Only one teaspoon of canola oil is used, primarily for greasing the baking surface or lightly spraying the shrimp.
How much ginger is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one inch of fresh ginger that has been grated.
What provides the zest in the mango sauce?
The zesty flavor comes from four teaspoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
Panko breadcrumbs are used because their larger, airier flakes create a crunchier texture than standard breadcrumbs.
How much mango nectar is required?
The dipping sauce requires 8 ounces of mango nectar.
Can I serve this at a party?
Yes, these are perfect for entertaining guests as a healthy and impressive appetizer.
Is the onion in the sauce cooked?
The recipe mentions finely chopped onion as part of the sauce ingredients to provide texture and flavor.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses a very small amount of salt, specifically 1/8 teaspoon.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 13 total ingredients used to make both the shrimp and the dipping sauce.
Why leave the tails on the shrimp?
Leaving the tails on provides a convenient handle for dipping and makes for a more professional presentation.
Is this recipe considered low-calorie?
Yes, as a baked dish with minimal oil, it is categorized as a low-calorie and healthy seafood appetizer.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish features a blend of sweet coconut, savory shrimp, and a spicy, tangy mango sauce.
Does the recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it calls for one minced garlic clove for the dipping sauce.
What is the role of egg whites?
The slightly beaten egg whites provide a sticky surface for the panko and coconut to cling to without the fat of the yolks.
Can I substitute the Scotch bonnet sauce?
While Scotch bonnet provides a specific heat, you could substitute it with another hot sauce if you prefer a different spice level.
How much cornstarch is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of cornstarch for the initial dredging of the shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains panko (wheat), but it could be made gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
How much onion is used?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of finely chopped onion.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Common tags include coconut shrimp, baked shrimp, healthy appetizers, and mango sauce.