Coconut Shrimp with Red Curry Dipping Sauce

Coconut Shrimp with Red Curry Dipping Sauce

Seafood, Starters
Shrimp, Starters, Party Food

Serves 4 - 6 (about 20 shrimp)

This crispy, fragrant classic is improved with a spicy, complex Thai curry dipping sauce.

Ingredients #

  • For the Shrimp: #

    • Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
    • 1/4 c cornstarch
    • 3 large egg whites
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 c flaked coconut
    • 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled with tails on
    • 1 green onion, white and green part, chopped
    • 1 handful fresh mint leaves, hand-torn

  • For the Red Curry Dipping Sauce: #

    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
    • 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
    • 1 c unsweetened coconut milk
    • Juice of 1 large or 2 small limes

Instructions #

Red Curry Dipping Sauce #

Place a small pot over medium heat and coat with the oil. Stir the red curry paste into the pan and fry until aromatic. Slowly pour in the coconut milk and continue to stir to incorporate. Add the lime juice (and 1 of the squeezed out halves for added flavor) and cook for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken. Pour the sauce into a nice serving bowl and serve with the coconut shrimp.

Coconut Curry Sauce #

First, prepare the red curry dipping sauce (below).

Heat 3 inches of oil in a large deep skillet or heavy pot to 325 degrees F.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, egg whites, salt, and pepper until foamy. Spread the coconut out in a pie dish. Dredge the shrimp with the cornstarch/egg white mixture and shake off any excess. Press the shrimp into the coconut flakes; turn shrimp over and press into coconut again to coat both sides.

Deep-fry the shrimp in batches until the coconut is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp to paper towels to drain. Arrange the shrimp on a platter, serve immediately with red curry sauce and garnish with green onion and mint.