Dive into a tropical paradise with our irresistible Coconut Shrimp with Basil and Lime! This Thai-inspired dish brings together the succulent flavors of perfectly fried shrimp, crispy shredded coconut, and a zesty lime kick that will transport your taste buds straight to the beach. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a delightful weeknight meal, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also guarantees to impress your guests. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 100g shredded coconut
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better.
- In a shallow dish, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper to taste. This will be the first layer of the shrimp coating.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until well combined. This will serve as the binding agent for the coconut.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the shredded coconut with the lime zest. This will add a fresh flavor to the coconut coating.
- Take each shrimp and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. This ensures that the shrimp has a dry surface for the egg to adhere to.
- Next, dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, coat the shrimp in the coconut and lime zest mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coconut adheres well to the shrimp. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of coconut into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them gently to avoid breaking the coating.
- Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy.
- While the shrimp are draining, prepare the garnish by roughly chopping fresh basil leaves and squeezing fresh lime juice over the top.
- To serve, arrange the coconut shrimp on a platter, sprinkle with the chopped basil, and drizzle with lime juice. You can also serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Coconut Shrimp with Basil and Lime as an appetizer or main dish!
Tips
- Prep Your Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are thoroughly peeled, deveined, and dried. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating that sticks beautifully.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skip the salt and pepper in the flour! This first layer of seasoning enhances the flavor of the shrimp and adds depth to the dish.
- Egg Dipping Technique: When dipping the shrimp in the beaten eggs, let the excess drip off before moving to the coconut mixture. This ensures a better coating and prevents sogginess.
- Coconut Coating: Mix the shredded coconut with lime zest for a refreshing twist. Press the coconut onto the shrimp firmly to ensure it adheres well during frying.
- Oil Temperature Check: To achieve that perfect golden-brown color, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. A small piece of coconut should sizzle immediately when dropped into the oil.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to maintain the oil temperature, which helps achieve a crispy exterior without making the shrimp greasy.
- Draining Excess Oil: After frying, place the shrimp on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy and light.
- Garnishing: Fresh basil and lime juice are not just for looks! They add a burst of flavor that complements the coconut shrimp perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Coconut Shrimp with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing, or pair it with a sweet chili dipping sauce for a delightful contrast.
- Enjoying Your Dish: This dish can be served as a stunning appetizer or as a main course alongside a refreshing salad or rice. Enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 444kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 168mg
