These easy coconut shrimp are made healthy!  They are pan-fried in coconut oil and then dipped in a coconut and pineapple dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt!

Growing up, my family and I frequented chain restaurants on the reg.  One of our all-time favorite places to eat was Red Lobster.

We lived on the Gulf Coast, so to be honest… any and every restaurant in our area of Texas had ah-maaaazing seafood.  But Red Lobster had something special…

My go-to item on the menu was their coconut shrimp.

Every inch of shrimp was covered in the tastiest coconut breading.

And that sauce!!  In addition to the extremely delicious coconut coating, my favorite part about getting these coconut shrimp was actually the creamy pineapple dipping sauce that accompanied it.

Oftentimes I would ask for a second bowl of it half-way through my coconut shrimp because it was just that good!

This easy coconut shrimp recipe with pineapple dipping sauce is my slightly healthier version of the Red Lobster classic.

How are these Easy Coconut Shrimp made Healthy?

A few things about this recipe make these easy coconut shrimp a bit healthier than other recipes:

• By using gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs, and starch instead of flour for the breading, these easy coconut shrimp are completely gluten-free!
• Instead of frying these coconut shrimp in vegetable oil, I like to use coconut oil.  It is healthier and actually tastes better, too.
• For the pineapple dipping sauce, Greek yogurt is used as the base making it loaded with good-for-you protein and probiotics.

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Feel free to get whatever size of shrimp you prefer.  I personally like the 26-30 count shrimp.

They are large enough so it does not require too much time to coat, but small enough for the shrimp:coating ratio to be just perfect!

If you do get shrimp at a size other than 26-30, make sure to adjust your time accordingly.

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Easy Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dipping Sauce

These easy coconut shrimp are made healthy! They are pan-fried in coconut oil and then dipped in a coconut and pineapple dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 443 kcal

Author London

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, can leave tail on*
• ½ c tapioca or corn starch
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¾ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ c unsweetened coconut finely shredded
• ½ c gluten-free panko bread crumbs
• ¼ - ½ c coconut oil

Pineapple Dipping Sauce:

• ⅓ c Greek yogurt plain, non-fat
• ¼ c crushed pineapple
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened coconut finely shredded
• 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. In a gallon sized zip-top bag place starch, paprika, and salt. Place shrimp into the bag and toss to coat.
2. In a medium-sized, shallow bowl place eggs and whisk until yolks and whites are combined.
3. In a separate, medium-sized, shallow bowl place shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. Toss to combine.
4. Remove starch-coated shrimp from the bag and place in egg bowl. Let excess run off and coat completely in shredded coconut/panko breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet or plate and repeat with remaining shrimp.
5. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, place 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
6. Add 5-6 shrimp and cook for two minutes on each side, or until shrimp are done cooking. Remove cooked shrimp and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.**
7. Repeat above step with remaining shrimp.

Pineapple Dipping Sauce:

1. While shrimp are cooking, combine creamy pineapple dipping sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir until combined.
2. Serve shrimp immediately with creamy pineapple dipping sauce and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*I used 26/30 count shrimp. Can use large or smaller, but make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly. ** If oil looks brown, drain coconut oil and add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dipping Sauce

Amount Per Serving

Calories 443 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 17g 26%

Saturated Fat 11g 55%

Cholesterol 375mg 125%

Sodium 1443mg 60%

Potassium 288mg 8%

Total Carbohydrates 41g 14%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 8g

Protein 29g 58%

Vitamin A 5.6%

Vitamin C 10%

Calcium 20.5%

Iron 20.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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