These easy gluten-free 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

Keyword easy coconut shrimp

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 cup tapioca or corn starch
• ½ tsp. paprika
• ¾ tsp. salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup unsweetened coconut finely shredded
• ½ cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs
• ¼ - ½ cup coconut oil

Pineapple Dipping Sauce:

• ⅓ cup yogurt plain, dairy-free
• ¼ cup crushed pineapple canned
• 2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut finely shredded
• 1 tsp. sugar or coconut sugar
• See this recipe in Healthy Meal Plan #2

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!  See this recipe in Healthy Meal Plan #2.

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*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 11g69%

Cholesterol 375mg125%

Sodium 1443mg63%

Potassium 288mg8%

Carbohydrates 41g14%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 29g58%

Vitamin A 280IU6%

Vitamin C 8.3mg10%

Calcium 205mg21%

Iron 3.7mg21%

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

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