is coconut shrimp gluten free

Is Coconut Shrimp Gluten Free? How to Make Safe Shrimp Recipes When You Have Celiac

Coconut shrimp is a delicious appetizer that you’ll often find on restaurant menus or at parties. But is this flavorful dish safe to eat when you follow a gluten-free diet? Let’s discuss the considerations around coconut shrimp and gluten and how to modify recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions.

What Makes Coconut Shrimp Typically Not Gluten-Free?

Traditional coconut shrimp recipes call for regular breadcrumbs combined with shredded coconut to coat the shrimp before frying or baking. The problem lies in regular breadcrumbs, which contain gluten.

Breadcrumbs lend that ultra-crispy coating, but they’re made from wheat bread containing gluten. Even panko breadcrumbs widely used for frying contain gluten from wheat.

So breadcrumb coatings make the final coconut shrimp dish unsafe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Consuming it could cause adverse reactions and intestinal damage.

Ingredients Like Beer Batter Are Also Unsafe

Some coconut shrimp recipes use a beer batter that’s dredged in flour before the coconut coating. Obviously the wheat flour and beer derived from barley contain gluten and are off limits on a gluten-free diet.

Even recipes that skip the beer batter may still call for all-purpose flour combined with eggs and milk to help the coconut adhere, So traditional coconut shrimp is generally not gluten-free due to multiple unsafe ingredients

Luckily, it’s easy to modify and make safe substitutions so you can still enjoy this appetizer. Let’s look at the best practices for preparing gluten-free coconut shrimp.

Tips for Making Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp

1. Choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko-style crumbs made from rice or other grains. Japanese panko crumbs tend to provide the lightest, crispiest result.

2. Use gluten-free flour instead of wheat flour. Opt for a blend containing rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch and xanthan gum to dredge the shrimp before the coating.

3. Avoid beer batter. Make the batter with gluten-free ingredients like rice milk and cornstarch instead.

4. Use corn starch rather than wheat flour to help the coating adhere. Dust the shrimp with corn starch before dipping in egg and coconut.

5. Verify coconut flakes don’t contain additives. Some processed brands add wheat flour to shredded coconut. Purchase pure coconut.

6. Check seasoning blends. Use gluten-free spice blends without wheat-based ingredients to season the shrimp.

7. Prepare and cook properly to avoid cross-contamination. Thoroughly clean surfaces, pans and utensils. Use fresh oil, not contaminated from prior cooking.

Gluten-Free Substitutions to Consider

Here are some recommended substitutes when modifying recipes:

• Breadcrumbs – Use gluten-free panko, pork rind crumbs, cornflake crumbs or almond meal.

• Flour – Choose gluten-free all-purpose flour or rice flour to dredge.

• Beer batter – Make batter with rice or coconut milk and cornstarch instead.

• Adhesion ingredients – Opt for cornstarch or rice flour over wheat flour.

• Coconut – Purchase unsweetened coconut flakes without gluten-based additives.

• Spice blends – Choose gluten-free spices or make your own blend.

With these simple tweaks, you can transform traditional coconut shrimp into a gluten-free appetizer the whole family can enjoy.

Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Ready to cook up some gluten-free coconut shrimp? This easy recipe adaptations provides a foolproof crunchy coating using safe ingredients.

Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
• 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Combine panko crumbs and coconut flakes in shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together rice flour, eggs, coconut milk, and seasonings.

2. Dredge shrimp in rice flour mixture, then dip in egg batter to coat.

3. Roll coated shrimp in panko-coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on baking sheet.

4. Heat 1/2 inch oil in skillet over medium heat. Fry shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with desired dipping sauce. Enjoy!

This easy gluten-free breading provides that satisfying crunch without the gluten. The rice flour and cornstarch help create a crispy base layer.

For added flavor, use unsweetened coconut oil for frying instead of vegetable oil. You can also try baking instead of frying – just mist the breaded shrimp with oil spray before baking. Play with spices in the coating too – Old Bay seasoning and cayenne lend delicious flavor.

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp

Gluten-free coconut shrimp deserves an equally delicious dipping sauce. Here are tasty condiment ideas:

• Sweet chili sauce
• Pineapple sauce
• Spicy mayo or remoulade
• Marinara sauce
• Peanut sauce
• Mango chutney

For something different, whip up this lovely Orange Ginger Dipping Sauce:

Whisk together 1/3 cup orange marmalade, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp fresh ginger, and 1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce. Thin with water if desired.

You can also serve coconut shrimp over rice noodles or a salad for a light meal. Avoid wheat pasta – instead try rice noodles, quinoa pasta or veggie noodles.

Incorporate sides like steamed broccoli, coleslaw, rice pilaf or fresh fruit. You can even toss shrimp in a wrap with lettuce, veggies and avocado.

Is Coconut Shrimp at Restaurants Gluten-Free?

When dining out, use caution before ordering coconut shrimp. Ask your server these key questions:

• Are regular breadcrumbs or wheat flour used in the recipe? Request they verify ingredients.

• What oil is used to fry the shrimp? Make sure it’s fresh and not contaminated.

• Are gluten-free practices followed to prevent cross-contact? Ask how they clean cooking surfaces and utensils between orders.

• Does the dipping sauce contain gluten? Request gluten-free sauce options.

• Is there a dedicated gluten-free fryer? Using the same fryer as breaded, gluten-containing foods is risky.

If the restaurant can’t confirm their recipe and processes are gluten-free, it’s best to avoid coconut shrimp when eating out. Stick with plainly grilled, steamed or broiled shrimp to be safe.

Should You Eat Coconut Shrimp Made at Home By Others?

If you’re attending a party or eating a home cooked meal elsewhere, use the same precautions. Inquire about the recipe and ingredients used in the dish.

Politely emphasize your need to avoid gluten cross-contact as well. Unless the host can validate the coconut shrimp is safely gluten-free, it’s wise to refrain from eating it.

But by providing education and recommendations like those in this article, you can help family and friends learn to accommodate your dietary needs. Over time, those closest to you will understand how to help you avoid gluten exposure.

The Takeaway on Coconut Shrimp and Gluten

Traditional recipes for coconut shrimp typically include glutenous ingredients like regular breadcrumbs, wheat flour and beer batter. But with simple ingredient swaps using gluten-free alternatives, you can easily modify coconut shrimp to be gluten-free.

Look for gluten-free panko crumbs, coconut flakes without additives, and rice flour when adapting recipes. With proper precautions taken in prep and cooking, you can feel confident enjoying this appetizer favorite.

When ordering at restaurants, always verify the recipe and gluten-free preparation practices. Making coconut shrimp safely at home is the best option if you need to strictly avoid gluten.

So don’t feel you have to miss out on crispy coconut shrimp just because you follow a gluten-free lifestyle. With these tips for gluten-free modifications and substitutions, you can now include this crave-worthy dish on your appetizer menu!