Coconut Prawns/ Crispy Coconut Prawns / Coconut Shrimp
Coconut Prawns is a terrific appetizer; it is sheer deliciousness all the way! Juicy prawns are coated in coconut and bread crumb mix and fried/ baked to get a perfect, crispy golden crust! This enticing starter dish can be served on their own; though I would strongly recommend you try it with garlic Mayo dip. You can also try Bang Bang sauce like in Dynamite Shrimp; sweet chilli sauce or any sauce of your choice.
The origin of Coconut Prawns/ Coconut Shrimp is not known; although it is very popular in Caribbean menu and Thai cuisines. I guess it evolved from some coastal region where there was a bounty of coconut and seafood. Medium sized prawns or shrimp is ideal to make this great finger food and shredded, dehydrated coconut is used for the crusty coating. Preparing these delectable Coconut Prawns are relatively easy if you have all the ingredients.
Other Appetizers:
Dynamite Shrimp, Fried Squid rings, Chinese Chilli Fish, Fish Fingers and fish cutlets are other seafood starters that you may like. Also check appetizers like Honey Chili Potato, Lollipop Chicken, Chicken popcorn, Steamed Chicken Momos, Potato croquettes, chicken cutlets, Soya cutlets, Chinese spring rolls, Thattukada style chicken fry, Chicken 65, Kebabs etc. Prawns are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which keep your heart healthy. They make for a great snack, and even serve as a wonderful option for mains when teamed with boiled or stir-fried vegetables. Kerala style Prawns roast, Spicy Prawns Masala and Sri Lankan style Prawns and vegetables in Coconut milk are must try Prawns dishes.
My recipe for Coconut Prawns is mildly flavored, you can adjust the spices as per your taste. I have left the tail end of the prawns intact, to give a better presentation appeal. It is relatively less messy and easier to coat if you have the tail. You can deep fry the prawns or bake in the oven. I have not explored the air frying option yet.
Shredded coconut is best for this recipe. Desiccated coconut works too, but it is too fine and you might not get the best results. You can prepare the same at home. All you need to do is take some freshly shredded coconut, toast in the micro wave for about 2 – 3 minutes, stirring in between to make it semi-dry. Alternately, you can lightly toast in a heated pan till it is semi dehydrated. Do not brown.
The Garlic Mayo recipe is already posted, so please check it out. You can also try bang bang sauce or Tandoori Mayo for variety dips. I am sure you will savour every bite of this delectable, coconut prawns. Enjoy!
Marination ingredients for Coconut Prawns:
Medium sized Prawns | : 500 gms |
Salt | : ¾ tsp |
Pepper Powder | : ¾ tsp |
Paprika / Kashmiri chili powder | : 1 tsp |
Ginger Garlic paste | : ½ tsp |
Ingredients for first coat:
Plain Flour/ Maida | : 1 cup |
Salt | : ¼ tsp |
Paprika/ Kashmiri chili powder | : ¾ tsp |
Dried Oregano | : ½ tsp |
Dried Rosemary | : ¼ tsp |
Garlic Powder | : ½ tsp |
Ingredients for second coat:
Eggs | : 2 |
Water | : 3 – 4 tsp |
Ingredients for third coat:
Sandwich Bread | : 3 slices |
Shredded coconut | : ¾ cup |
Paprika/ Kashmiri chili powder | : ¾ tsp |
Pepper powder | : ½ tsp |
Dried Oregano | : one pinch |
Garlic Powder | : ½ tsp |
Method for Coconut Prawns:
- Clean and devein the prawns. Leave the tail end intact. This helps you to coat the prawns well by holding to the tail.
- Pat dry to remove moisture.
- Marinate with salt, chili powder, pepper powder and ginger garlic paste. Keep aside for half an hour.
- For the first coat, mix Maida, salt, Kashmiri Chili powder, Garlic powder, Oregano and Rosemary in a bowl.
- Mix well and keep aside.
- In another bowl, add two eggs and mix in 3- 4 tsp water. Beat well and keep aside.
- For the third coat, make shredded coconut ready. You can use store bought or take freshly shredded coconut and toast in microwave (3 minutes) or in a pan to dry out excess water (Do not brown).
- Grind the bread pieces to a fine crumb (You can use Panko instead).
- Mix in Kashmiri chili powder/ Paprika, Pepper powder, Garlic powder and a pinch of oregano.
- Toss well and keep aside.
- Drench the prawns in flour mix first and shake off excess flour. Next, dip the flour coated prawns in egg and immediately coat with coconut -bread crumb mix. Finish coating all prawns/ shrimp the same way.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the Coconut prawns to a golden brown.
- Make sure the flame is medium high all the time.
- Drain and keep aside.
- If you prefer baked Coconut Prawns, grease a baking pan and place the coated Prawns on the pan.
- Spray some oil and bake @ 200O c for 15 minutes or till light golden brown.
- Turn in between.
Enjoy crispy fried Coconut Prawns with Garlic mayo, Tandoori Mayo or any other dip of your choice.
Tips:
- You may use any medium sized prawns or shrimp for this recipe.
- Leave the tail end for easy coating and appealing presentation.
- Make sure to pat dry before marination.
- Prawns cook easily, so do not overcook or it will become rubbery.
- Do not overcrowd the pan for crispier prawns.
- Shredded coconut can be prepared at home by toasting freshly shredded coconut. Desiccated coconut is too fine and might ruin the oil quickly.
- For healthier version, take a mixture of Plain Flour and Corn Flour.
- Paprika or Kashmiri Red chili powder can be used for this recipe.
- Adjust the spices as per your taste.
- Use two days old bread for better crumbs.
- If you are using fresh bread, then slightly toast the breadcrumbs in a pan or oven to remove excess moisture.
Enjoy this wonderfully crispy Coconut Shrimp and let me know how you like it. Your feedback and suggestions mean a lot to me and would definitely encourage me to create more wonderful recipes for you. God Bless!!
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