Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, use Japanese-style panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works well too)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or a little melted butter for greasing the baking sheet
- For the Sweet Chili Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for richness, but light mayo works)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for a fresh tang)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, if you like it spicy)
If you want to skip the flour step, cornstarch works as a great gluten-free alternative. And if you’re nutty for coconut flavor, feel free to add a bit more shredded coconut into your panko mix!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter. I learned early on that a little butter on the sheet gives the shrimp a lovely golden crust without sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour base is key for flavor and helps the egg and coating stick better.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This is where your shrimp take their first dive.
- In another bowl, mix the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs together. This combo is the secret to that perfect crunch and coconutty sweetness.
- Working one shrimp at a time, dredge each in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off. Finally, press each shrimp firmly into the coconut-panko mixture, ensuring an even coat. If you have little helpers (like my kids), this step becomes a fun assembly line!
- Place the coated shrimp on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Give them a light spray of cooking oil or brush with a bit more melted butter for extra crispness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and the coating is golden and crispy. Halfway through baking, flip the shrimp for even color and crunch. I always keep a close eye here—shrimp cook fast, and you want that crunch without drying out the tender meat inside.
- While the shrimp bake, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the heat and tang to your liking—this sauce is what brings everything together.
- Serve the shrimp hot with a generous dollop of sweet chili mayo on the side. Trust me, dipping each bite is the best part!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Baked Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo, recipe, cooking, food
