Coconut Shrimp with the Best Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined with tails left on
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• Light olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil for frying
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves or apricot fruit spread

Instructions

1. Rinse shrimp in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Set up 3 shallow bowls. In the first, stir together 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. In the second, beat 2 eggs with a fork. In the third, combine 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes and 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs.
3. Dredge shrimp in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally dip in crumb mixture using your hands to press the coconut crumb mixture onto the shrimp. Transfer to a platter and repeat with remaining shrimp. Once all shrimp are breaded, either sauté right away or refrigerate for later.
4. To sauté, place a large pan over medium heat and add enough oil to generously cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep). Once oil is hot (350°F), add shrimp and sauté 2 minutes per side until golden brown and shrimp is pink and cooked through. Cook in batches and do not overcrowd the pan. Use tongs to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Stir together 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce with 1/4 cup apricot preserves. Serve shrimp with dipping sauce and squeeze fresh lime juice over finished shrimp before serving if desired.