Coconut shrimp is one of my absolute favorite appetizers! The crispy, coconut-coated shrimp combined with the sweet and creamy sauce is simply to die for. However, most coconut shrimp recipes call for deep frying, which can be time-consuming and messy.
Luckily, I’ve discovered a way to achieve that same delicious coconut shrimp taste and texture right in your oven By baking frozen coconut shrimp straight from the freezer, you can enjoy this tasty appetizer without having to break out the fryer
In this article, I’ll walk you through my foolproof method for baking frozen coconut shrimp in the oven. I’ve tested this recipe extensively to perfect the technique. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have restaurant-quality coconut shrimp ready in under 30 minutes. No deep fryer required!
Benefits of Baking vs Frying Coconut Shrimp
Before we get into the how-to, let’s go over some of the biggest benefits of baking frozen coconut shrimp instead of deep frying:
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It’s faster – No need to heat up and monitor a pot of oil on the stovetop. Just pop the frozen shrimp in the oven and you’re good to go!
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Less mess – Deep frying can splatter hot oil, while baking contains the mess
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Healthier – Ditch the unnecessary extra calories from frying in oil Baking provides a lighter alternative
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Even cooking – The dry heat of the oven crisps up the coconut coating evenly on all sides.
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Versatile – Oven-baked shrimp can go directly from freezer to oven without thawing first. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
How to Bake Frozen Coconut Shrimp to Perfection
Baking frozen coconut shrimp takes just a few simple steps for crunchy, flavorful results every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12-16 oz) frozen coconut shrimp
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil
- Parchment paper
Equipment:
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
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Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high heat will ensure the coconut coating crisps up nicely.
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Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly coat with nonstick spray or vegetable oil. This prevents sticking.
Step 2: Arrange Shrimp in a Single Layer
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Remove frozen shrimp from packaging and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Make sure shrimp aren’t touching each other. Even space allows for maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Bake Shrimp Straight from Frozen
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Place loaded baking sheet directly in the preheated 400°F oven.
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Bake for 12-14 minutes, without flipping. The high heat crisps the coating on both sides.
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No need to thaw shrimp first! Cooking straight from frozen makes this recipe even easier.
Step 4: Broil for Extra Crispiness
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After 12-14 minutes, switch oven to broil for 2-3 minutes.
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Broiling gives the shrimp an extra crunch. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Finish with Desired Seasonings
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Once golden brown, remove shrimp from oven and place on a paper towel lined plate.
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Optionally season with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, or cajun seasoning while still hot.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
And that’s it! With my simple oven-baking method, you can skip the messy deep frying and make crunchy coconut shrimp anytime. Just allow 12-17 minutes of easy baking for crispy, golden brown perfection.
Coconut Shrimp Baking Tips
Follow these additional tips for flawlessly baked coconut shrimp every time:
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Refer to packaging instructions for exact oven temperature and baking times, which may vary.
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For larger shrimp, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Smaller shrimp may cook faster.
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If shrimp start browning too quickly, tent foil loosely over the baking sheet.
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Use refined coconut oil on the baking sheet for a light coconut flavor.
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Let shrimp rest 1-2 minutes out of the oven before serving.
Fun Coconut Shrimp Recipe Ideas
While my basic oven method works great on its own, baked coconut shrimp also pairs fabulously with a variety of zesty sauces and dips. Some of my favorites include:
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Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Mango Sauce – Mix sweet mango puree with sriracha and lime juice for a tropical kick.
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Coconut Shrimp Tacos – Serve crunchy baked shrimp in soft tortillas with fresh pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro.
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Coconut Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers – Alternate shrimp and pineapple chunks on skewers for a fabulous grilled appetizer.
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Coconut Shrimp with Orange Marmalade Dipping Sauce – Whisk orange marmalade, soy sauce, chili paste, and vinegar together for a tangy dip.
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Coconut Shrimp Lettuce Wraps – Top bibb lettuce leaves with shrimp and a quick peanut sauce.
Get creative with your own coconut shrimp recipe ideas! The baked coconut coating acts as the perfect crunchy, flavorful base for all kinds of easy sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Shrimp in the Oven
If you’re new to baking frozen coconut shrimp, chances are you have a few questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs:
How long does it take to bake frozen coconut shrimp?
- Plan for 12-15 minutes of baking time for frozen shrimp. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness. Larger shrimp may take 1-2 minutes longer.
What temperature should I bake coconut shrimp at?
- 400°F is ideal for achieving a crunchy coating. You can also refer to package instructions for any temperature guidelines.
Should I flip the shrimp during baking?
- Flipping is not necessary! The hot airflow in the oven will crisp both sides. Avoid opening the oven door to prevent heat loss.
Can I bread the shrimp before baking?
- Yes, you can coat raw shrimp in breadcrumbs or panko before freezing. Follow the same baking instructions for crispy oven-baked breaded coconut shrimp.
What if my shrimp burn or undercook?
- If shrimp start browning too fast, tent foil over the pan and reduce temperature 25°F. For undercooked shrimp, increase bake time by 2-3 minutes.
How do I reheat leftover baked coconut shrimp?
- Microwave leftover baked shrimp for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. You can also reheat in a 400° oven for 4-5 minutes.
More Tips for Coconut Shrimp Success
With the basics of oven baking covered, here are a few more coconut shrimp pro tips:
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Look for large “colossal” or “jumbo” sized shrimp for the best texture when baked. Smaller shrimp can dry out.
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For convenience, stock up on frozen cooked and shelled shrimp. Thaw what you need right before coating.
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Chill coated shrimp in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before baking for an extra-crispy crust.
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Cut shrimp in half lengthwise for quicker and more even baking.
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Brush shrimp with egg white and dredge in panko breadcrumbs before the coconut coating for fabulous crunch.
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Swap in almond flour or cornflake crumbs for gluten free or keto-friendly options.
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Play around with flavor variations like lemon-pepper or cajun seasoned coconut coatings.
Enjoy the Convenience of Baked Coconut Shrimp
I absolutely love whipping up a batch of crispy coconut shrimp straight from the freezer – no thawing or frying required. With just a few minutes in the oven, you can enjoy this tasty appetizer anytime without the hassle.
Give my easy oven-baked coconut shrimp recipe a try for your next game day party, movie night, or potluck. I promise everyone will be begging for the recipe! Plus, you’ll have fun coming up with creative sauce and serving ideas.
Take your shrimp game up a notch by mastering this baking technique. Your taste buds will transport you straight to the tropics with each tender, crunchy, coconutty bite. Ditch the deep fryer and let your oven work its magic for simplified gourmet shrimp anytime. Now get cooking and savor the island flavors!
Frequency of Entities:
oven: 18
coconut shrimp: 17
frozen: 10
crispy: 8
baking sheet: 7
bake: 7
shrimp: 7
coconut: 6
oil: 3
deep fry: 3
broil: 3
parchment paper: 2
aluminum foil: 2
How To Cook Frozen Coconut Shrimp
If you want to serve an easy and tasty appetizer at your next dinner party, look no further than frozen coconut shrimp! Your guests will love these crispy and tasty treats. The best part is that you can cook them right from the freezer, which makes them a great choice for any event.
- 1 package of frozen coconut shrimp
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
- Preheat your oil.
- Arrange your workstation.
- Place the frozen coconut shrimp in the oil.
- Fry until golden brown.
- Remove and drain.
- Serve and enjoy!
Start by preheating a deep fryer or a large skillet with enough oil to fully submerge the frozen coconut shrimp. The oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C) for optimal results.
Lay out a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels. This will be used to drain the excess oil from the cooked shrimp.
Gently place the frozen coconut shrimp into the preheated oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan or the shrimp may not cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Allow the shrimp to fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Flip them over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the cooked shrimp from the oil and transfer them to the prepared plate or baking sheet. Allow them to drain for a few seconds to remove any excess oil.
Your frozen coconut shrimp is now ready to be served! These crispy delights can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili or mango salsa.
It’s really easy to cook frozen coconut shrimp. With just a few simple steps, you can make an appetizer that everyone will love and want the recipe for. So the next time you want a quick and tasty appetizer, grab a package of frozen coconut shrimp and follow these easy steps. Happy cooking!.
There are many tasty recipes to choose from if you want to get the most out of the guide on how to cook frozen coconut shrimp. Start with Coconut Shrimp Curry for a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Coconut Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are a tasty and fresh dish that are great for a summer barbecue. Coconut Shrimp Tacos offer a fun twist on traditional tacos, combining crispy shrimp with fresh toppings. Coconut Shrimp Salad is a great choice if you’re looking for something light. It has greens and the sweet crunch of coconut shrimp. Last but not least, you have to try Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa. Its tropical flavors will take your taste buds to a beachside paradise. Want to share your tips and tricks for cooking frozen coconut shrimp? Join the discussion in the.
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