Crispy Shrimp Coconut Sauce (Print Version)

Crispy shrimp coated in coconut and tossed in a creamy sweet-savory sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

→ Batter

05 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1/2 cup cold water
09 - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

→ Sauce

10 - 1/2 cup coconut milk
11 - 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
12 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
13 - 1 tablespoon honey
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce

→ For Frying

16 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut
18 - 1 tablespoon finely sliced green onion

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, white pepper, and Shaoxing wine. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, egg, and cold water to make a smooth batter.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F.
04 - Dip each shrimp into the batter, then coat lightly with shredded coconut.
05 - Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
06 - In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Heat gently until just warmed and smooth, about 2 minutes. Do not boil.
07 - Toss the fried shrimp with the sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated.
08 - Garnish with toasted coconut and green onion. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce creates this impossibly creamy coating that clings to every crispy ridge
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout but tastes like you spent hours planning
02 -
  • Overcrowding the oil drops the temperature fast, leaving you with soggy, greasy shrimp instead of crispy ones
  • The sauce can break if it gets too hot, so keep the heat gentle and remove it from the stove as soon as it smooths out
03 -
  • Pat the shrimp completely dry before marinating, or the batter slides right off in the hot oil
  • Let extra sauce drip off slightly after tossing, otherwise the bottom layer gets soggy fast