Crispy Oven-Baked Coconut Shrimp with Zesty Pineapple Salsa
This delightful dish features succulent large shrimp baked to perfection and coated in a crunchy layer of sweetened coconut. The combination of flavors in this recipe makes for a tropical culinary experience that is not only low in fat but also bursting with freshness. Served alongside a zesty pineapple salsa, which balances the richness of the coconut with vibrant notes of pineapple, red onion, and jalapeno, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a light weeknight dinner. Enjoy the refreshing twist by substituting cilantro for parsley to elevate the tropical essence of this dish.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
large shrimp
28 (peeled and deveined)
cornstarch
1/3 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/2-3/4 teaspoon
large egg whites
3
sweetened flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups
nonstick cooking spray
as needed
fresh pineapple
1 cup (finely chopped)
red onion
1/3 cup (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
pineapple preserves or apricot-pineapple preserves
1/4 cup
seeded fresh jalapeno
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Rinse the shrimp well under cold water and drain them thoroughly on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3
In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, salt, and cayenne pepper, and whisk until evenly mixed.
4
In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy, about 2 minutes.
5
Spread the flaked coconut in another shallow dish for coating the shrimp.
6
Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7
Take each shrimp and dredge it first in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dip it into the frothy egg whites, and then dredge it in the coconut, pressing gently with your fingers to help the coconut adhere.
8
Place the coated shrimp on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
9
Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with the nonstick cooking spray for extra crispiness.
10
Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
11
While the shrimp are baking, prepare the pineapple salsa by gently tossing together the chopped pineapple, red onion, cilantro, preserves, jalapeno, lime juice, and black pepper in a bowl until everything is well combined.
12
Serve the crispy coconut shrimp warm with the refreshing pineapple salsa on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Oven-Baked Coconut Shrimp with Zesty Pineapple Salsa.
Is the shrimp fried or baked?
The shrimp is oven-baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a healthier, low-fat alternative to frying.
How many shrimp are needed for this recipe?
You will need 28 large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What type of coconut is used for the coating?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of sweetened flaked coconut.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the shrimp.
How do I prepare the shrimp before coating?
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and drain them thoroughly on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
What ingredients make up the first coating layer?
The first layer is a mixture of 1/3 cup cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2-3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
How long should I beat the egg whites?
Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until they become frothy.
What is the correct order for dredging the shrimp?
Dredge the shrimp first in the cornstarch mixture, then dip into the frothy egg whites, and finally coat in the flaked coconut.
How long do the coconut shrimp bake?
Bake the shrimp for a total of 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
Should I turn the shrimp while they are in the oven?
Yes, turn the shrimp halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.
How do I make the shrimp extra crispy?
Lightly spray the tops of the coated shrimp with nonstick cooking spray before putting them in the oven.
What are the ingredients in the zesty pineapple salsa?
The salsa includes pineapple, red onion, cilantro, preserves, jalapeno, lime juice, and black pepper.
What kind of preserves work best for the salsa?
You can use either pineapple preserves or a combination of apricot-pineapple preserves.
Can I substitute the cilantro in the salsa?
Yes, you can substitute cilantro for parsley to change the tropical essence of the dish.
How much pineapple is required for the salsa?
The recipe requires 1 cup of finely chopped fresh pineapple.
How do I prepare the jalapeno for the salsa?
The jalapeno should be seeded and finely chopped, totaling about one tablespoon.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, this is a low-fat seafood recipe because the shrimp are baked rather than deep-fried.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan?
Coat your baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray before placing the shrimp on it.
What amount of lime juice is used in the salsa?
The salsa requires 1.5 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
Is the salsa cooked or served raw?
The salsa is served fresh by gently tossing the raw chopped ingredients together in a bowl.
How much red onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped red onion.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch?
The cornstarch acts as a base layer that helps the egg whites and coconut adhere to the shrimp.
How should the coconut be applied?
Press the coconut gently with your fingers onto the shrimp to help it adhere to the egg white coating.
What kind of pepper is used in the salsa?
The salsa is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the spice level of the shrimp?
The shrimp has a mild heat from the 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the coating.
How should the dish be served?
Serve the crispy coconut shrimp warm with the refreshing pineapple salsa on the side.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Tropical Fruits.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 14 ingredients used to make both the shrimp and the salsa.