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Crispy Popcorn Shrimp

Featured in Seafood.

These shrimp are crispy perfection! Ready in half an hour. Coconut and panko make an awesome crust, while the shrimp stay super juicy. Follow the three-step coating trick for pro-level results. Served them to friends, and they were gone in no time!
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Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:25:04 GMT
A bowl of crunchy shrimp, lime wedges, and creamy dipping sauce on the side. Pin it
A bowl of crunchy shrimp, lime wedges, and creamy dipping sauce on the side. | tasteofmoms.com

Crunchy Quick Shrimp Bites

These quick shrimp bites are everything you'll crave in a snack - super crunchy and downright irresistible. The way the gluten-free coating with panko and coconut flakes creates that golden outer layer is just fantastic. They cook up in minutes, making them great for anything from party snacks to weeknight meals with the family.

Why These Shrimp Bites Never Disappoint

The beauty of this method is how straightforward it is while giving you food that tastes like it's from your favorite restaurant. The shrimp turn out wonderfully crisp every single time and the tangy dip really makes everything pop. You can even stick them in the freezer before cooking so you've got quick food ready whenever.

Your Ingredients

  • Shrimp: Bigger ones do best and don't remove those tails.
  • Gluten-Free Coating: Our ideal crunchy mixture.
  • Eggs & Chili Garlic Sauce: The glue that makes everything come together.
  • Dipping Sauce: Rich, fiery and completely moreish.

Let's Cook These Bites

Begin With The Dip
Combine your sauce ingredients and let them sit together.
Arrange Your Workspace
Prepare your three coating bowls in a line.
Dredge The Shrimp
Move them through each mixture for full coating.
Start Cooking
Cook until they're golden and crunchy.
Time To Enjoy
Squeeze fresh lime over them and start munching.

Make Them Uniquely Yours

Keep an eye on how hot your oil gets for the best crunch. Don't like heat? Swap cayenne for milder paprika. Want other dips? Go for tartar, cocktail sauce or garlic mayo. Save yourself trouble by freezing some before cooking them.

Great Pairings

These bites go wonderfully with crunchy zucchini strips, creamy slaw or a green salad. Feeling inventive? Put them in soft tacos or on top of a bowl of rice for a different dinner idea.

A bowl of crispy, golden-breaded shrimp is served with dipping sauces and a lime half in the background. Pin it
A bowl of crispy, golden-breaded shrimp is served with dipping sauces and a lime half in the background. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why split the coating process?

Breaking it into three steps gives a well-covered, crispy finish.

→ What's the ideal oil heat?

Stick to 325°F-350°F so the shrimp cook well and stay crunchy.

→ Can I make them without gluten?

Absolutely, just swap for gluten-free flour and panko.

→ Why keep the tails on?

The tails are handy for dipping, plus they make it look better on the plate.

→ Is baking an option?

It can work, but frying gives you the crunchiest result.

Easy Shrimp

Juicy shrimp coated in a mix of panko and coconut, paired with a creamy, spicy mayo chili sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-American Blend

Yield: 4 Servings (24 pieces of shrimp)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup crispy panko crumbs.
02 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut.
03 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
04 1 pound peeled shrimp, tails on.
05 Cooking oil for frying food.
06 2 tablespoons chili sauce with garlic.
07 1/4 cup mayo.
08 1 teaspoon spicy sriracha (optional).
09 1/2 teaspoon both garlic and onion powders.
10 2 large eggs for dipping.
11 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
12 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, if you like heat.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together the mayo and chili sauce, chill until ready to serve.

Step 02

Set up three shallow bowls for dredging shrimp in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.

Step 03

Dip shrimp into each bowl, covering them completely in the coating.

Step 04

Heat oil in your frying pan to around 325-350°F.

Step 05

Fry shrimp on each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 06

Place fried shrimp on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.

Step 07

Serve right away with the chilled sauce on the side for the crunchiest experience.

Notes

  1. Keep oil at a steady temperature for best frying results.
  2. Gluten-free replacements will work fine.
  3. Hot shrimp is the crunchiest, so don’t wait too long to eat!
  4. Using three bowls helps coat shrimp evenly.

Tools You'll Need

  • A wide frying pan.
  • Shallow dishes for breading.
  • Tongs for handling hot food.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Includes eggs in the recipe.
  • Has wheat unless gluten-free substitutes are used.
  • Contains coconut, which is a tree nut.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 486
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 28.6 g