How to Make Red Lobster’s Famous Coconut Shrimp at Home – Easy and Delicious Recipe

If you’re craving a tropical getaway, this Coconut Shrimp recipe, inspired by Red Lobster, will transport you straight to the beach! Imagine biting into succulent shrimp, fried to golden perfection, coated with sweet shredded coconut, and served with a cool, tangy Piña Colada dipping sauce. This crispy and flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I discovered this incredible recipe on Insanely Good Recipes and couldn't resist sharing it with you! It’s easy to make and tastes just like the restaurant version. Let me walk you through how to make this amazing dish at home!

A Fun Tropical Treat for All Occasions

Coconut shrimp has become a fan favorite, especially as a fun appetizer or main course at seafood restaurants. But did you know this dish originated from a fusion of tropical and Asian flavors? Coconut is commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking, and blending it with crispy fried shrimp gives it an irresistible tropical twist. The addition of a creamy Piña Colada dipping sauce truly takes this dish over the top!

Now, let’s dive into how you can make this tasty treat at home.

Ingredients

Piña Colada Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup piña colada drink mix
• ¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)

Coconut Shrimp

• 6-8 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• ½ pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1½ cups cornstarch, divided
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup piña colada drink mix
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Coconut Rum

Instructions

1. Prepare the Piña Colada Dipping Sauce:

In a small bowl, gently whisk together the sour cream and piña colada drink mix until smooth. Fold in the crushed pineapple and add powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the shrimp. The cool, creamy texture of this sauce will contrast perfectly with the crispy shrimp.

2. Heat the Oil for Frying:

In a large heavy pot or deep fryer, pour in vegetable oil and heat it to 375°F. Make sure to use oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, to avoid burning.

3. Prep the Shrimp:

Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact for easy handling. Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back, then flatten slightly. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.

4. Set Up a Breading Station:

In one bowl, combine ½ cup cornstarch, panko bread crumbs, and shredded coconut. In another bowl, mix the piña colada drink mix, powdered sugar, and coconut rum. Use a third bowl to place the remaining cornstarch.

5. Coat the Shrimp:

Start by dredging the shrimp in plain cornstarch, tapping off any excess. Then, dip the shrimp in the piña colada mix and coat with the coconut breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, double-dip the shrimp by repeating the process: piña colada mix and coconut breadcrumbs. This gives them an irresistibly crunchy texture!

6. Fry the Shrimp:

Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the crispy shrimp immediately with the chilled Piña Colada dipping sauce on the side. The contrast between the hot, crunchy shrimp and the cool, sweet-tangy sauce will leave you craving more!

Cooking Tips:

• Fry in Batches: Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil’s temperature and ensures the shrimp cooks evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Double Dipping: Double coating the shrimp gives them extra crispiness and makes sure the coconut sticks well.

Pairing Suggestions:

Serve your crispy coconut shrimp with a fresh tropical fruit salad, a side of jasmine rice, or even a light mango salsa. You could also pair it with a chilled glass of sparkling water or coconut rum cocktail to elevate the tropical vibes!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this with your friends, and follow me for more mouth-watering recipes like this one.