If you’re a seafood lover looking for a tropical twist on a classic dish, you might want to try out baked coconut shrimp! This delectable treat is a crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to the shrimp, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
One of the best things about this dish is that it’s easy to make at home, and it doesn’t require any deep frying. Instead, the shrimp is coated in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs and then baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown. This method makes the dish much healthier and less messy than traditional fried shrimp.
Baked coconut shrimp can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, or even a simple garlic aioli. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing flavors with this dish, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or just looking for a new seafood recipe to try out, baked coconut shrimp is a must-try. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!
5 Impressive Health Benefits of Coconut
Coconut is one of the most versatile and popular fruits in the world, thanks to its delicious taste, refreshing water, and numerous health benefits. Coconut products have been used for centuries in many cultures for their medicinal and culinary purposes. From meat, milk, and oil to water, flour, and sugar, there are many different types of coconut products that you can add to your diet. Here are the top 5 impressive health benefits of coconut, along with potential drawbacks and tips on how to incorporate this superfood into your daily routine.
Types of Coconut Products
Coconut products come in many forms, and each one has its own unique nutritional profile and health benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of coconut products:
Highly Nutritious
Coconut meat is one of the most nutritious parts of the fruit, as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. One cup of shredded coconut meat contains 283 calories, 7 grams of fiber, 26 grams of fat (mostly saturated), and 3 grams of protein. It is also a good source of manganese, copper, selenium, and iron. However, due to its high calorie and fat content, coconut meat should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Antibacterial Effects
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has antibacterial properties. This means that it can help kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body, which may prevent infections and boost the immune system. Some studies have also found that coconut oil can help reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
May Promote Blood Sugar Control
Coconut flour is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour that may have some health benefits. It is high in fiber, which can help slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Some studies have also found that coconut flour may improve insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.
Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Coconut water is a refreshing and hydrating beverage that is naturally low in calories and high in antioxidants. It is rich in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which can help replenish the body after exercise or illness. Some studies have also found that coconut water may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Easy to Add to Your Diet
Coconut products are very versatile and easy to add to your diet. You can use coconut oil for cooking, baking, or as a spread. Coconut milk can be used in curries, soups, smoothies, and desserts. Coconut flour can be used in place of wheat flour in many recipes. Coconut water can be consumed as a refreshing drink or added to smoothies.
Potential Drawbacks
While coconut products are generally safe to consume, they may have some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of the most common concerns:
- High in calories and fat: Coconut products are high in calories and fat, particularly saturated fat, which may increase the risk of heart disease if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is important to consume coconut products in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- May cause allergies: Some people may be allergic to coconut, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling. If you have a coconut allergy, you should avoid all coconut products.
- May interact with medications: Coconut oil may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, if you are taking any medications, you should consult your healthcare provider before consuming coconut products.
The Bottom Line
Coconut products are a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet, and they offer many impressive health benefits. From promoting blood sugar control to providing powerful antioxidants, coconut products can help support your overall health and well-being. However, it is important to consume coconut products in moderation, as they are high in calories and fat.
If you have a coconut allergy or are taking any medications, you should consult your healthcare provider before consuming coconut products. Additionally, it is important to choose high-quality coconut products that are minimally processed and free from added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Incorporating coconut products into your diet is easy and delicious. You can use coconut oil for cooking, baking, or as a spread, coconut milk in curries, soups, smoothies, and desserts, coconut flour in place of wheat flour in many recipes, and coconut water as a refreshing drink or added to smoothies.
In conclusion, coconut is a versatile and nutritious fruit that offers many health benefits. By incorporating coconut products into your diet in moderation, you can enjoy their many health benefits and add a delicious flavor to your meals and snacks.
How to Make Healthy and Delicious Baked Coconut Shrimp
This simple recipe for baked coconut shrimp is an absolute winner, with its irresistible combination of crispy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors. What takes it to the next level is the addition of a chili-honey dipping sauce, elevating the dish to a whole new level of genius.
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 12 min
Calories: 281
INGREDIENTS OF BAKED COCONUT SHRIMP
- 1 1/2 lbs raw shrimp, skins removed, tails left on
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut (or unsweetened if doing Whole30)
Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp chili paste
METHOD OF MAKING A PERFECT BAKED COCONUT SHRIMP
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Combine almond flour with salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Use a fork to break up any large clumps.
- Working with one shrimp at a time dip shrimp into the flour mixture until coated followed by the beaten eggs and then back into the flour mixture. Lastly dip the shrimp into the sweetened coconut, using your hands to make sure it sticks.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the prepared shrimp and bake on a center rack for 12 minutes.
- Serve immediately along with honey chili sauce. Enjoy!
NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING
Calories: 281 | Protein: 21 g | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Total Fat: 14 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Cholesterol: 258 mg | sodium: 1110 mg | Total Sugars: 11 g
