Baked Coconut Shrimp: Crispy, Healthy & Easy Recipe with Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce

Are you craving the irresistible crunch and sweet-savory flavor of coconut shrimp but want a healthier alternative to deep-frying? Look no further! Our **Baked Coconut Shrimp** recipe delivers all the crispy, golden deliciousness you desire, transforming this restaurant favorite into a low-fat, gluten-free appetizer or dinner that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Paired with a vibrant, spicy mango dipping sauce, this dish is a culinary delight that proves healthy can be incredibly tasty. Say goodbye to the mess and expense of deep-fried versions and hello to succulent, oven-baked perfection!

Why Choose Baked Coconut Shrimp Over Fried?

For many years, coconut shrimp has been a beloved indulgence, a staple on appetizer menus at countless restaurants. However, traditional versions are often deep-fried, leading to higher fat content and a heavier feel. While undeniably delicious, the thought of deep-frying at home can be daunting – messy, potentially dangerous, and not always the healthiest option. This is precisely why we developed this incredible baked version.

Our oven-baked method ensures you get that coveted crispy, golden exterior without the need for excessive oil. It’s a lighter approach that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Instead of a heavy, greasy coating, you get succulent, juicy shrimp enveloped in a perfectly toasted coconut crust. Plus, making it at home saves you money compared to dining out, allowing you to enjoy this gourmet experience more often. If you happen to own an air fryer, you might also enjoy our Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe, but for those without, the oven is your best friend for achieving perfectly crispy results!

The Secret to Healthy and Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp

Creating a healthier version of a classic doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or that satisfying crunch. We’ve made thoughtful ingredient choices to ensure this **healthy coconut shrimp** recipe is both delicious and caters to dietary needs.

• Low Fat: Instead of using a whole egg, which includes the yolk, we opt for a single egg white. This simple swap significantly reduces the fat content while still providing the essential binding agent needed for the coconut to adhere perfectly to the shrimp. It’s also an excellent way to utilize any leftover egg whites you might have from other recipes, making this dish both economical and resourceful.
• Gluten-Free: Many traditional breading mixtures use all-purpose flour. Here, we’ve replaced it with cornstarch. Cornstarch not only makes this recipe completely **gluten-free** but also contributes to the remarkably crispy texture of the baked coating. It creates a light, delicate crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving you all the texture without the gluten.

Don’t let the “healthy” label mislead you – this dish is far from bland! The natural sweetness of the flaked coconut, combined with the inherent flavor of fresh shrimp, ensures every bite is bursting with delightful taste. It’s a testament that healthy eating can be incredibly indulgent and satisfying, perfect for a quick appetizer or a light dinner.

Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Coconut Shrimp and Dipping Sauce

Crafting this delightful dish requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the crispy **oven-baked shrimp** and the accompanying **spicy mango dipping sauce**:

For the Baked Coconut Shrimp:

• Cornstarch: Essential for that golden, crispy coating. It acts as a binder and helps achieve the perfect texture, ensuring a light and airy crust.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and balance the sweetness of the coconut.
• Egg White: Our low-fat secret weapon! It helps the coconut stick without adding extra richness, creating a lighter and healthier coating.
• Flaked Sweetened Coconut: The star of the show, providing both texture and a touch of sweetness. While sweetened is commonly available and recommended for flavor, unsweetened can be used if you prefer to control the sugar, simply add a pinch of sugar to the coconut if desired.
• Shrimp: The fresher, the better! Make sure your shrimp are completely peeled, deveined, and, most importantly, thoroughly patted dry. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking and crisping properly, which is crucial for perfect **crispy coconut shrimp**. We recommend medium-sized raw shrimp for optimal results.

For the Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce:

• Ripe Mango: The riper the mango, the sweeter and more flavorful your sauce will be. Fresh is best, but frozen mango (thawed) can be a convenient alternative if fresh is not in season.
• Jalapeno: Adds a delightful kick of spice. You can adjust the heat level by removing or keeping the seeds and membrane (where most of the heat resides) to suit your preference.
• Lime Juice: Provides essential acidity, brightening the sauce and balancing the sweetness of the mango and the tangy richness of the Greek yogurt. Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a significant difference.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the mango and harmonizes the overall flavor profile, creating a perfectly balanced dipping sauce.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the sauce, adding a healthy dose of protein and a delightful texture. Ensure it’s plain and unsweetened to avoid conflicting flavors.

What To Do With Leftover Egg Yolks

Since this recipe calls for only an egg white, you’ll have a leftover egg yolk. Don’t let it go to waste! Egg yolks are fantastic in many dishes, adding richness and flavor. Check out our collection of recipes using egg yolks for creative ways to use it up, from custards and hollandaise sauce to carbonara and lemon curd.

How to Bake Coconut Shrimp in the Oven: Step-by-Step

Baking your own **crispy coconut shrimp** is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly golden and succulent shrimp every time:

1. Prepare Your Dredging Station: Set up three shallow bowls for your breading process. In the first bowl, combine the cornstarch and salt, mixing well. In the second, lightly beat the egg white until slightly frothy. In the third bowl, spread out the flaked coconut. This organized approach makes the coating process smooth and efficient, preventing a sticky mess.
2. Coat the Shrimp: Working with one shrimp at a time, first dredge it thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s lightly coated on all sides. This helps the egg white adhere better. Next, dip it into the egg white, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the shrimp gently into the coconut flakes, ensuring a generous and even coating. Place the coated shrimp on your prepared baking rack, ensuring they are not touching.
3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated shrimp on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet (lined with foil for easy cleanup). Bake for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each shrimp and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the coconut is beautifully golden brown and the shrimp are fully cooked through and opaque. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your shrimp, so keep an eye on them.

While **baked coconut shrimp** is best enjoyed immediately after baking for maximum crispiness, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them back in a preheated oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again, ensuring they regain their delicious crunch.

Expert Tips for Super Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp

The ultimate goal for any homemade coconut shrimp is that satisfying crunch, and our baked version delivers! The key to achieving truly **crispy healthy coconut shrimp** lies in a few crucial techniques that ensure a perfect texture every time:

• Use a Wire Rack: This is non-negotiable for maximum crispiness! Baking the shrimp on a wire rack (like a roasting rack set in a pan, or even a cooling rack on a cookie tray) allows heat to circulate completely around each piece of shrimp. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and ensures an even, all-around crisp texture, much like when making our famous Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Before coating, ensure your shrimp are as dry as possible. Any excess moisture will prevent the cornstarch and coconut from sticking properly and result in a less crispy finish. A few extra minutes with paper towels can make all the difference.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your shrimp plenty of space on the baking rack. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, which will hinder crispiness and result in a softer coating. Work in batches if necessary.
• Adjust for Shrimp Size: Shrimp sizes vary greatly. Some are small, while others can be nearly the size of your palm! This impacts both cooking time and the amount of coating needed. We provide weights rather than exact counts to account for this variability. Use your best judgment and cooking instincts; larger shrimp will need a bit more time in the oven and potentially slightly more coating mixture.
• Preheat Thoroughly: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before placing the shrimp inside. A hot oven helps the coating crisp up quickly and evenly.

Crafting the Irresistible Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce

No **baked coconut shrimp** experience is complete without the perfect dipping sauce, and our spicy mango version is a game-changer. It’s sweet, tangy, and boasts a delightful kick, perfectly complementing the crispy shrimp. The combination of fruity sweetness, zesty lime, and a hint of spice elevates the entire dish.

Making the sauce is incredibly simple. Just combine the ripe mango, chopped jalapeno, fresh lime juice, and a touch of honey in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth, luscious puree. The natural juiciness of the mango should provide enough liquid, but if it feels too thick, a tiny splash of water can help achieve the desired consistency. The key to the creamy texture comes next: transfer this vibrant mango mixture to a bowl, then gently stir in the plain Greek yogurt by hand. We recommend stirring by hand rather than blending the yogurt directly, as blending can incorporate too much air, making the sauce thinner and frothier than desired.

For those who love a bold flavor, the raw jalapeno delivers a noticeable spice. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply remove the seeds and the white membrane from the jalapeno before chopping, as these are where most of the heat resides. This allows you to customize the spice level to your preference, ensuring everyone can enjoy this fantastic dipping sauce, from mild to fiery.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this fantastic **baked coconut shrimp recipe**, you’re in for a treat! Shrimp is a quick-cooking and incredibly versatile protein, perfect for a variety of meals, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer. Explore these other mouth-watering shrimp recipes, many of which are designed for two, making them ideal for a cozy meal:

• Spicy Beer Shrimp: A zesty and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, perfect for a casual evening.
• Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Teriyaki Kabobs: Sweet and savory, these kabobs are a summer grilling essential, bursting with tropical flavors.
• Shrimp Curry Without Coconut Milk: A quick and flavorful curry for those who love spice but prefer a different creamy base, proving curry can be made in a hurry!
• Salsa Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: A light, fresh, and healthy option bursting with vibrant flavors, perfect for a low-carb meal.