Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple-Habanero Dip
With Nashville hosting tonight’s Monday Night Football game, we had to break out the big guns: Coconut Shrimp and Pineapple-Habanero Dip.
Doesn’t that plate of shrimp look dainty? You’d never guess we snorted the rest straight off the paper towel. But the dip is the real star. The combination features pineapple, red bell pepper and a tablespoon of freshly minced habanero. It’s the perfect amount of heat: enough to get the attention of most sane people without detracting from the flavor.
So, in this, the Season of Thanksgiving, I offer my humble thanks to the Tennessee Titans for bringing tailgate foods into my life. For yea, though I know not the meaning of the two-point conversion, I shall rejoice in the opportunity to enjoy the gifts of Ro-Tel and Velveeta, chili-smothered Fritos and Buffalo wings forever and ever. Amen.
Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Habanero Chutney
Adapted from Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch’s “New New Orleans Cooking”
- Canola oil, for frying
- 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup shredded or flaked coconut
- 1 cup ice cold soda water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (i.e. Cajun, Creole, Emeril’s Essence)
- Pineapple Habanero Chutney, recipe follows
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, egg and soda water. Mix well to make a smooth batter. Measure the coconut into a shallow dish. Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix. Holding the tail of the shrimp, dip it in the batter, coating completely and shaking off the excess. Roll shrimp in coconut. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of seasoning mix.
Pineapple Habanero Chutney
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- Pinch salt
- 2 cups small diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup small diced red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced habanero
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions. Season with salt and saute for 2 minutes. Add the pineapple, red bell pepper and habanero. Continue to saute until the pineapple is soft, about 7 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the vinegar and the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water and whisk until smooth. Stir the slurry into the pineapple mixture and return mixture to a boil. Continue to cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. For a smoother consistency, pour the chutney into a blender or food processor and blend. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
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Amazing-looking shrimp, so crispy like that. Delicous!
Ok, will you move to the middle of nowhere, northern new york to cook —- for me? lol. OMG I swear, your food blog kills me the food always looks so good that I want to eat it. Especially this shrimp. I’ll be back later for your cupcakes….
. . . drool . . .
I am so. SO. making this.
you bought that at captain d’s. I saw you in the drive thru. I’m kidding. My jealousy is making me say ugly things to bring you down to my culinary level… somewhere on par with Sandra Lee.
Those shrimp look very crisp and delicious - i can see why they were hard to resist and didn’t get to the platter!
Wow, my mouth is watering just looking at those shrimp! I can see why there weren’t many left for pictures!
Hmmm. One of my favorites. I have had them twice. Once from a box from the supermarket. And once in a restuarant. So delicious. Havent attempted at ome yet.
This looks fabulous! Coconut shrimp is one of my favorites!
OOOhhhh, I’m all about this dish and the sauce, yum-yum!! Thanks for sharing the recipes.
~ingrid
I really like coconut shrimp! It’s such a great invention!
I’ll take your Pineapple-Habanero Dip on Coconut Shrimp over the chili-smothered Fritos and Buffalo wings any day! Sounds delicious!
I absolutely love coconut shrimp. Pairing it with pineapple and habanero sounds great!
These were fantastic, and so easy to make once I realized that you meant 2/3 cup all-purpose flour instead of 2 cups. I very nearly had pizza dough :-) Thanks for sharing these!
Looks fantastic, but you should make sure the pineapple is organic. Here’s why http://www.newrinkles.com/index.php/archive/did-you-know-pineapple/
All I have to say is… GO TITANS! 10-0 BABY!
Okay. Done.