Crunchy Coconut-Sesame Shrimp With Spicy Lime Mayo

Name: Crunchy Coconut-Sesame Shrimp With Spicy Lime Mayo
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ¾ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 Tbsp. (or more) sambal oelek; 2 tsp. finely grated lime zest; 1 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. fresh lime juice; ½ tsp. toasted sesame oil; ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt; plus more (optional); 1 garlic clove, finely grated; 1½ lb. large shrimp (16–20), peeled, deveined, patted dry; 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup panko; ⅓ cup white and/or black sesame seeds; 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar; Vegetable oil (for frying; about 1¼ cups); Cabbage wedges, sugar snap peas, cucumber spears, and/or other crunchy vegetables (for serving)

By Asha Loupy

April 7, 2022

Gray plate of crispy coconut shrimp on a distressed gray backdrop with a side of spicy lime mayo.

Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca

This platter of golden and crispy shrimp delivers joy and deliciousness whether you’re hosting a fête for friends or just looking for a weeknight dinner with a little extra oomph. It features big, succulent shrimp coated in a mixture of unsweetened shredded coconut, panko, sesame seeds, and just a touch of sugar, which enhances the natural tropical sweetness of the coconut without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the shrimp.

And what’s anything fried without a dipping sauce? Here, it’s a bright, zippy number featuring Greek yogurt, a little mayonnaise, sambal oelek (hello, saucy red chile heat!), garlic, lime, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Make sure to round out your platter with some fresh, crunchy vegetables, like chunky pieces of cabbage, sugar snap peas, and/or cucumber spears. —Asha Loupy