The Coconut Shrimps

I made a dipping sauce using the olive oil mayo with these.  They're lighter in color both because I didn't overcook them and because there are zero added seasonings (I was being lazy).

Always-Been-Compliant Coconut Shrimp:

Defrosted shrimp, deveined and peeled.  (I prefer to use raw but you can use cooked)
Egg -- 1 for 1/2 pound of shrimp, 2 for more.
Coconut flake
Salt
Black Pepper
Garlic Powder
Paprika
Cayenne (optional)
Coconut oil or parchment paper


If your shrimp need any prep work like peeling, go ahead and do that.  Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Whisk your egg(s) until beaten.  Sometimes I will add a splash of coconut milk in this step to help the coating adhere, that's optional

If your coconut flakes are really chunky give them a whirl in the food processor first, the smaller the chunks the better it will cling to the shrimp!   Whole Foods sells a brand that is very fine, which I prefer.

Combine the coconut flakes with the salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika on a plate.  I use about a cup of flakes to 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp+ garlic, and 1 tsp paprika.  Mess around with it and find what you like.  If you like things spicy, add a dash of cayenne.  You can also make these without adding spices to your coconut but I don't think they turn out as tasty.

Dunk your shrimp in the egg wash, then coat them in the coconut mixture.  I think it's faster to do them all at once but you can also do them as you go.

Two options for cooking: pan-frying and baking.

If you're going to pan-fry, heat up some coconut oil (no need to submerge them, maybe 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep) and throw the shrimp in.  Don't get too ambitious with your ability to keep up with a bunch of shrimp, especially if they're small -- small batches can be better.  When they're appropriately golden brown, maybe 4 minutes (just lift one up and check) flip them over.  Be extra-careful not to overcook pre-cooked shrimp!  You can also turn the heat up a little higher, throw them in just to golden the outsides, then bake the rest of the way.

If you're going to bake, line the pan with parchment paper and bake for about 10 minutes at 375, maybe adding some time under the broiler at the end (watch carefully for burning!)

These are slightly overcooked, but I still ate them.