Crispy Oven-Baked Coconut Shrimp Delight
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Crispy Oven-Baked Coconut Shrimp Delight, a low-fat take on a classic favorite. These succulent shrimp, coated in a light, crunchy layer of sweetened coconut, are baked to perfection for a guilt-free treat that the whole family will love. With a cooking method that requires no frying, you'll enjoy all the flavor with none of the excess grease. This recipe is designed for 26 large uncooked shrimp, making it perfect for gatherings or as a tasty appetizer. Serve them alongside fresh pineapple or a vibrant fruit salsa for an explosion of taste and color. Double this recipe with ease to cater to larger crowds—your friends and family won't be able to resist these delightful bites!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
large uncooked shrimp
26 (peeled, deveined, tails intact)
cornstarch
1/3 cup
salt
1 teaspoon
ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon (can adjust to taste)
large egg whites
3
sweetened flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with non-stick foil, generously greasing it with cooking spray for easy removal.
2
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well.
3
In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, salt, and ground red pepper, stirring until evenly mixed.
4
In a medium bowl, place the egg whites and beat them with an electric mixer on high speed until frothy, approximately 2 minutes.
5
Spread the sweetened flaked coconut on a separate shallow dish for easy coating.
6
Dredge each shrimp individually. First, coat it in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the shrimp into the frothy egg whites, ensuring full coverage. Finally, press the shrimp into the flaked coconut, making sure they are well-coated.
7
Arrange the coated shrimp on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, with space between each piece.
8
Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crispy texture as they bake.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping the shrimp after the first 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispness.
10
Once baked, the shrimp should be opaque and have a lightly golden color. Serve warm with pineapple or a fresh fruit salsa for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish being prepared?
The dish is Crispy Oven-Baked Coconut Shrimp Delight, a low-fat version of the classic favorite.
Is this coconut shrimp recipe fried?
No, this recipe is baked in the oven to provide a crispy texture without the excess grease of frying.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How many shrimp does this recipe accommodate?
This recipe is designed for 26 large uncooked shrimp.
How should the shrimp be prepared before coating?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined with the tails left intact, then rinsed and patted dry thoroughly.
What is the purpose of drying the shrimp?
Drying the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels ensures that the coating adheres well to the surface.
What are the ingredients for the initial dry coating?
The first coating consists of a mixture of 1/3 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
Beat 3 large egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed for approximately 2 minutes until they are frothy.
What kind of coconut is used for the breading?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of sweetened flaked coconut.
What is the three-step dredging process?
First, coat the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture; second, dip into the frothy egg whites; third, press into the flaked coconut.
How should the shrimp be placed on the baking sheet?
Arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
How do I ensure the coconut becomes golden and crispy?
Lightly spray the tops of the coated shrimp with cooking spray before placing them in the oven.
What is the total baking time?
The shrimp should bake for a total of approximately 20 minutes.
Should the shrimp be turned during baking?
Yes, you should flip the shrimp after the first 10 minutes of baking for even crispness.
How can I tell when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they are opaque and have a lightly golden exterior color.
What serving suggestions are recommended?
Serve the shrimp warm with fresh pineapple or a vibrant fruit salsa for extra flavor.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe can be doubled easily to cater to larger crowds or parties.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, it is described as a low-fat take on coconut shrimp because it is oven-baked rather than fried.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the shrimp?
Yes, the amount of ground red pepper can be adjusted to your personal taste preferences.
What type of baking sheet preparation is best?
Use a large baking sheet lined with non-stick foil and generously greased with cooking spray.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the tags, this is considered a gluten-free recipe as it uses cornstarch instead of flour.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: shrimp, cornstarch, salt, ground red pepper, egg whites, and flaked coconut.
Why use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Beaten egg whites provide a light, frothy binder that helps the coconut stick without adding the fat of the yolks.
Is this dish suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a tasty and healthy appetizer for gatherings.
What size shrimp should I buy?
The recipe specifies using large uncooked shrimp.
Does the recipe include sugar?
While no granulated sugar is added, the recipe uses sweetened flaked coconut which contains sugar.
How much ground red pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper.
How much salt is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It offers tropical flavors from the coconut paired with a slight kick from the red pepper.
How long does it take to prep the egg whites?
It takes about 2 minutes of high-speed mixing to reach the desired frothy consistency.