Where Can I Get Coconut Shrimp? A Guide to Finding This Tasty Appetizer

Coconut shrimp is one of my favorite appetizers! The combination of crispy breading with sweet, tropical coconut flavor makes these shrimp irresistible. But where can you find great coconut shrimp? In this article, I’ll share the best places to get coconut shrimp, from restaurants to grocery stores, so you can get your hands on these delicious morsels anytime.

Trying Coconut Shrimp at Restaurants

One of the easiest ways to try coconut shrimp is to order it at a restaurant Coconut shrimp is a popular appetizer found at many casual dining and family restaurants across the country Here are some places that frequently have it on the menu

• Red Lobster – This popular seafood chain is likely the first place that comes to mind for coconut shrimp. It’s one of their signature appetizers and is always delicious.

• Bonefish Grill – Similar to Red Lobster Bonefish Grill specializes in seafood and serves up tasty coconut shrimp as an appetizer. It comes with a sweet orange marmalade dipping sauce.

• Outback Steakhouse – Alongside their famous Bloomin’ Onion Outback Steakhouse offers coconut shrimp as an appetizer option. It’s coated in a mixture of coconut and breadcrumbs.

• LongHorn Steakhouse – LongHorn Steakhouse has coconut shrimp on their appetizer menu. It’s fried golden brown and served with a spicy dipping sauce.

• Applebee’s – This neighborhood grill and bar includes coconut shrimp on their appetizer selection. It’s breaded in coconut flakes and served with a tangy orange sauce.

In addition to national chains, many local seafood restaurants will also have coconut shrimp appetizers. Check the menus at restaurants in your area focusing on fresh seafood.

Buying Frozen Coconut Shrimp to Prepare at Home

If you want to skip the restaurant and make coconut shrimp at home, many grocery stores sell frozen coconut shrimp that just needs to be cooked. Here are some top brands to look out for:

• Trader Joe’s – Their frozen coconut shrimp is a customer favorite. It comes pre-cooked so you just have to heat and serve.

• Whole Foods 365 Brand – Whole Foods offers their 365 brand of frozen coconut shrimp that includes big, butterfly cut shrimp with a crispy coating.

• Aqua Star – This seafood brand is sold at many mainstream grocery stores like Safeway and Albertsons. Their coconut shrimp is made from wild-caught shrimp.

• SeaPak – Sold at Kroger and other grocery chains, SeaPak has frozen coconut shrimp available in the freezer section. It’s an affordable option.

• Frozen Appetizers Brand – This generic brand is sold at many grocers and makes a basic coconut shrimp that gets the job done.

Check the freezer section at any major supermarket and you’re likely to find options for frozen coconut shrimp that just require a quick fry or bake before eating. This makes for easy appetizer prep at home!

Things to Look for When Buying Frozen Coconut Shrimp

When evaluating frozen coconut shrimp options at the store, there are a few things I recommend looking out for:

• Size of shrimp – Look for brands using medium to jumbo sized shrimp. Small shrimp can end up chewy after cooking.

• Tail on – Shrimp with the tails on gives you a nice handle for dipping in sauce.

• Even breading – The coconut breading should fully coat the shrimp with no bald spots.

• Ingredients – Check the ingredients list for real coconut versus ‘coconut flavoring’.

• Number per bag – Go for bags with at least 12-15 shrimp to feed multiple people.

• Price – Compare prices between brands and buy when coconut shrimp is on sale.

Following these tips will help you select the tastiest frozen coconut shrimp.

Making Homemade Coconut Shrimp from Scratch

For the freshest flavor, you can also make coconut shrimp completely from scratch at home. Here are some tips for homemade coconut shrimp:

• Buy fresh or thawed shrimp – Use raw jumbo shrimp and peel/devein them yourself.

• Create the coating – Mix shredded coconut with breadcrumbs, flour, and spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.

• Dip in flour, egg, and coconut mixture – Dredge shrimp in flour, then beaten egg, then the coconut coating.

• Fry in oil – Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable or canola oil to 350°F and fry shrimp 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

• Make a dipping sauce – Whip up a sauce with orange marmalade, chili sauce, etc.

• Serve warm – Enjoy the fried shrimp immediately with cooling dipping sauce.

It takes a bit more effort, but homemade coconut shrimp is worth it!

Places to Find Coconut Shrimp on a Menu

If going out to eat, here are the most likely places to find coconut shrimp on the menu:

• Seafood restaurants – Especially chains like Red Lobster, Bonefish Grill, Joe’s Crab Shack.

• Hawaiian restaurants – Coconut shrimp aligns well with Hawaiian fusion cuisine.

• Asian restaurants – Can sometimes be found at restaurants serving Thai, Vietnamese or Polynesian food.

• Family restaurants – Places like Applebee’s, Chili’s, TGI Friday’s often have them on appetizer menus.

• Bars or pubs – More casual watering holes, sports bars, or pubs may offer standard coconut shrimp.

Calling ahead to ask if a restaurant serves coconut shrimp can save you time. Or perusing online menus and reviews can identify good coconut shrimp appetizer options near you.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Coconut Shrimp

To cook frozen coconut shrimp perfectly at home, follow these tips:

• Read instructions – Check package instructions for oven vs frying and cook times.

• Defrost first if needed – For crispiest coating, thaw shrimp in fridge before cooking.

• Use oil – For pan frying, heat 1⁄4 inch of oil like canola or vegetable oil.

• Fry in batches – Don’t crowd shrimp to maintain oil temperature.

• Monitor oil temp – Use a thermometer and keep oil between 325°F and 350°F.

• Don’t overcook – Remove shrimp when golden brown, not dark brown.

• Drain on paper towels – Let excess oil drip off before serving shrimp.

• Serve with sauce – Pair with store-bought or homemade dipping sauces.

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked coconut shrimp every time. Enjoy!

Top Tips for Cooking Homemade Coconut Shrimp

Making coconut shrimp from scratch? Keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh jumbo shrimp and peel it yourself. This ensures quality.

• Aim for a coating that’s at least 1⁄3 shredded coconut. Too much breading and not enough coconut won’t provide enough flavor.

• Let coated shrimp sit 5-10 minutes in the fridge so the coating adheres before frying.

• Use a thermometer and fry at 350°F for best results. Lower heat if coconut browns too quickly.

• Fry shrimp in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan which brings down oil temperature.

• Let oil return to temp between batches for an evenly crispy coating.

• Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200°F oven. The coating will get soggy if shrimp sits.

• Offer a dipping sauce on the side. Orange marmalade or sweet chili sauce are great choices.

When prepared properly, homemade coconut shrimp really shines!

How Long Does Coconut Shrimp Last in the Fridge or Freezer?

If you aren’t eating all your coconut shrimp in one sitting, here is how long it will last stored in the fridge or freezer:

• Cooked coconut shrimp: 5-7 days refrigerated; 6 months frozen

• Uncooked frozen coconut shrimp: 1 year in freezer

• Homemade uncooked coconut shrimp: 2 days refrigerated; 2 months frozen

The breading is what reduces the shelf life compared to plain shrimp. To maximize freshness:

• Store cooked shrimp in airtight container and don’t drench in sauce.

• Put uncooked shrimp in freezer as soon as possible.

• Seal homemade shrimp in freezer bags with all air pressed out.

Properly stored, coconut shrimp retains its flavor and texture for months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Recipes for Coconut Shrimp Dipping Sauces

Coconut shrimp tastes even better when paired with a flavorful dipping sauce! Whip up one of these tasty sauces:

Orange Marmalade Sauce

• 1⁄2 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1⁄2 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Spicy Mayo Sauce

• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp s