Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been on a mission to find the absolute best coconut shrimp around, and lemme tell you – I’ve discovered some amazing spots to get your hands on these crispy, sweet delights. Whether you’re craving them for dinner tonight or planning a party, I’m gonna break down all your options!
Quick Answer
You can get coconut shrimp from
- Grocery stores (frozen section)
- Local seafood markets
- Restaurants and bars
- Food delivery apps
- Wholesale clubs
Best Places to Buy Coconut Shrimp (Ranked by Value)
1. Grocery Store Frozen Section
Look, I know frozen stuff ain’t always the best, but hear me out! The grocery store is actually pretty solid for coconut shrimp, especially if you’re on a budget
What you’ll find:
- Price: Usually $8-10 per pound
- Brands: SeaPak, store brands
- Size: Medium to large (16-21 count)
- Comes with: Cooking instructions and sauce packets
Pro tip: Check the freezer section near the appetizers or seafood area. Most stores keep them there!
2. Local Seafood Markets
OMG, if you want the GOOD stuff, this is where it’s at! Your local fish market usually has the freshest shrimp with amazing homemade breading.
What to expect:
- Price: $12-18 per pound (worth every penny!)
- Size: Usually jumbo (U12-15)
- Quality: Premium grade shrimp
- Coating: Hand-breaded fresh
3. Restaurants & Bars
Perfect when you want your coconut shrimp fix RIGHT NOW and don’t wanna cook.
Typical restaurant offerings:
- Portion: 4-6 pieces per order
- Price: $12-15 per appetizer
- Comes with: Dipping sauce
- Style: Deep-fried, super crispy
4. Food Delivery Apps
For those lazy days (we all have them!), delivery apps got you covered.
What I’ve found:
- Popular chains usually offer coconut shrimp
- Prices are bit higher than dining in
- Delivery time affects crispiness
- Best to order from places close by
My Top Tips for Buying Coconut Shrimp
What to Look For
Before you hand over your cash, check these things:
- Golden brown color (not too dark or pale)
- No loose breading falling off
- Fresh shrimp smell (no fishy odors!)
- Crispy coating that actually sticks
Budget-Friendly Options
Trying to save some $$$? Here’s what I do
- Watch for grocery store sales
- Hit up happy hour specials
- Check wholesale clubs
- Look for restaurant coupons
Cooking Tips (If You Buy Frozen)
Ya’ll, don’t mess up good coconut shrimp with bad cooking! Here’s how to make them awesome:
Best cooking methods:
- Oven baking (425°F, 10-12 mins)
- Air fryer (400°F, 5 mins)
- Deep frying (350°F, 2-3 mins)
DON’T:
- Microwave them (gets super soggy)
- Cook them straight from frozen
- Overcrowd the pan
Quick Nutrition Facts (Per 3-4 Pieces)
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
The Bottom Line
Look, finding great coconut shrimp ain’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of know-how. I personally love hitting up my local seafood market for the premium stuff, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping a bag of frozen ones for emergencies!
Whether you’re cooking at home or eating out, just remember – the best coconut shrimp should be crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and have that perfect sweet coconut flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Want more tips or got questions? Drop a comment below! And don’t forget to share your favorite coconut shrimp spots – we’re always looking for new places to try!
#seafood #coconutshrimp #foodie #cooking #wheretoeat
Would you like me to break down any specific part in more detail?
How to Coat Shrimp in Coconut Mixture
To coat the shrimp and ensure the coating actually STICKS, you need to coat them in 3 separate and quick steps just as we do when coating baked chicken fingers. Coat the shrimp in a flour mixture, then beaten eggs, then the coconut breadcrumbs. Each coating serves an important purpose: flour allows the egg to stick, egg allows the coconut to stick, and coconut is our main flavor. Make sure you mix the coconut with Panko breadcrumbs because without the breadcrumbs, the coconut is more likely to fall off.
- Can’t I just coat shrimp in coconut? Coating wet shrimp in coconut may sound like it could work, but the coconut falls off. That’s why you need the flour and egg, too.
- Should I use sweetened shredded coconut? Yes, definitely. The sugar on the coconut shreds melts and the coating becomes crisp and slightly caramelized. It’s incredible. If you prefer unsweetened shredded coconut, you can absolutely use that but you’ll lose the sweetness and some crisp.
- Do I have to use Panko breadcrumbs? For this recipe, Panko is better than regular breadcrumbs because it ensures a crunchy texture. Made from crustless bread, it is coarsely ground into airy, large flakes. For that reason, Panko breadcrumbs stay crispier than regular breadcrumbs because they do not absorb as much grease and liquid during the frying process. You can find this type of breadcrumb in the regular breadcrumb aisle of most grocery stores.
We like to use a little more coconut and a little less Panko for the final coating because the more sweet coconut crust, the better! See full written recipe below.
What Kind of Shrimp is Best?
Make sure you purchase large + raw peeled shrimp with tails attached for this recipe. I recommend tails attached because the coconut shrimp are easy to prep, coat, and handle as an appetizer that way. Feel free to remove the tails before starting, if desired.
I like using large shrimp for this recipe since they shrink during the cooking process. If you have medium shrimp, they will work here but they’ll be tiny. Or you can use medium shrimp in this honey garlic shrimp recipe.
Best Coconut Shrimp Recipe | Dipping Sauce
FAQ
Does Outback Steakhouse have coconut shrimp?
Does Trader Joe’s sell coconut shrimp?
Most are simple suppers, and today’s recipe definitely falls into that category! This recipe can be made in about 20 minutes! I always prefer fresh shrimp, but Trader Joe’s coconut shrimp from their frozen section is a tasty alternative you can make in minutes!
Does Whole Foods sell coconut shrimp?
365 by Whole Foods Market, Coconut Shrimp Value Pack, 32 Ounce at Whole Foods Market.
Does Costco sell coconut shrimp?
Aqua Star Butterfly Coconut Shrimp, Hand Breaded, 16-20 ct, 2.5 lbs | Costco.