Indulge in a taste of the Caribbean with our Jamaica Coconut Shrimp. Succulent shrimp are generously coated in shredded coconut, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to tender, flavorful bites. Each bite is a harmony of savory seafood goodness and sweet, tropical coconut, transporting your taste buds to sun-soaked shores. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish is a celebration of island flavors that will leave you craving more.

Here's a recipe for Jamaica Coconut Shrimp:

Ingredients:

 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on

 - 1 cup all-purpose flour

 - 2 large eggs, beaten

 - 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut

 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 - Vegetable oil, for frying

 - Sweet chili sauce or mango salsa, for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

2- Set up your breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another shallow dish, and shredded coconut in a third shallow dish.

3- Dredge the shrimp: Working with one shrimp at a time, dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in shredded coconut, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or tray.

4- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You'll want enough oil to submerge the shrimp halfway.

5- Fry the shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the shrimp halfway through cooking.

6- Drain and serve: Once the shrimp are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the oil and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the Jamaica Coconut Shrimp hot, with sweet chili sauce or mango salsa for dipping, if desired.

Enjoy your crispy and delicious Jamaica Coconut Shrimp!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in Jamaica Coconut Shrimp:

Large Shrimp (1 pound):

  - Calories: Approximately 480

  - Fat: 6 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 90 grams

Benefits: Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood rich in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. It supports heart health and aids in muscle building.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 455

  - Fat: 1.2 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 95 grams

  - Protein: 13 grams

Benefits: Provides the base for the batter, giving the shrimp a crispy texture. Flour contributes carbohydrates, which are a source of energy.

Large Eggs (2):

  - Calories: Approximately 140

  - Fat: 10 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

  - Protein: 12 grams

Benefits: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and healthy fats. They add richness to the batter and help the coconut adhere to the shrimp.

Shredded Coconut (1 1/2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 570

  - Fat: 52 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 21 grams

  - Protein: 5 grams

Benefits: Coconut adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. It provides healthy fats and dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Enhances the flavor of the dish. Salt is necessary in small amounts for electrolyte balance and proper muscle function.

Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

Benefits: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. Black pepper has antioxidant properties and can aid digestion.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

  - Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon (depending on absorption)

  - Fat: 14 grams per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Used for frying, giving the shrimp a crispy texture. The type of oil used can influence the health benefits, with options like canola or sunflower oil being better for heart health.

Sweet Chili Sauce or Mango Salsa (for dipping, optional):

  - Calories: Varies (approximately 50-100 calories per serving)

Benefits: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the coconut shrimp. These dips can also provide additional vitamins and antioxidants, especially if they contain fruits like mango.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking method, and specific ingredient variations. Additionally, the nutritional values may change depending on how much oil is absorbed during frying.