Baked Coconut Shrimp

Perfect for sharing.

Have you ever had trouble deciding between multiple menu items at a restaurant? I’m constantly stuck between two or three entrees, so much so that I attempt to manipulate my dinner companions into ordering the items I’m choosing from, just so I can have a bite. Occasionally, my persuasion backfires and I wind up with a serious case of “food envy,” not as impressed as I had hoped with my selection and wishing I had ordered what someone else has.

The easiest way to avoid the dreaded “food envy” is to order and entire meal of small plates or appetizers to share. I’m never more satisfied than when I can have a little bit of everything on the table. This recipe for a homemade, healthier version of a favorite finger food is so tasty, you may not want to share.

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Crispy coating, right out of the oven.

1 pound of medium shelled and deveined raw shrimp

¼ cup flour

1 large egg

¾ cup shredded, sweetened coconut

¾ cup panko crumbs

¾ cup ground almonds

¾ cup apricot preserves

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce

Salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray baking sheet with non-stick spray. Whisk egg in a medium bowl with 3 tablespoons of water, add flour to a separate bowl, and combine coconut, panko and almonds in another shallow, large bowl or plate. Season shrimp with salt, coat in flour, then egg, then coconut mixture, allowing ingredients to fully cover each piece. Place on baking sheet and bake in oven for about 10 minutes, flip and continue to bake for about 7 minutes, until shrimp are fully cooked. In a small sauce pan, heat apricot preserves, vinegar and chili garlic sauce over medium heat, constantly whisking until combined. Place in a small bowl and serve with shrimp.
This is a restaurant quality dish made at home and, while a tad bit high-maintenance (you may have a few dishes to do), it’s worth the effort. A crunchy coating of panko and almonds is accompanied by sweet, baked flakes of coconut. It’s pleasantly surprising how the breading maintains its crispiness with only a short stay in the oven; thanks to a coating of flour and egg before the coconut, you won’t have to worry about it falling off. The sweet dipping sauce, which has the slightest bit of heat, is the perfect accompaniment. The combo of the coconut coating and apricot sauce would be perfect using chicken or salmon, as well.

On second thought, you probably won’t want to share.