Recipe:

/ˈresəˌpē/

6 Jumbo Skin on Shrimp

Bao Buns ( Asian Market Freezer Section)

1 Cup Flour

1 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs

2 Eggs

1 Cup Unsweet Coconut Flakes 

1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar

1/2 Cup Water

2tbsp Sugar 

1/2 Cucumber

1/4 Cup Shredded Carrott

1/4 Cup Sliced Red Onion

1/4 Cup Chopped Red Cabbage 

1tbsp Sriracha

2tbsp Mayonnaise 

Salt 

Pepper

Cilantro

Guess who has access to an air fryer?!… I’ll give you a hint… it’s me and I am stoked. Healthy alternatives to frying truly are a miracle. I will never lie to you though I wish I fried these in Vegetable oil in a saute pan, but they were crispy and amazing and healthier so here it is folks. I will give you the saute instructions for those of you who don’t have an air fryer or love a good fried coconut shrimp. These are my new go to for dinner parties because they’re impressive and also just so quick and easy to make. Let’s get after it folks.

First things first a quick pickled veg is a must. Equal parts Water to Vinegar is important. So if you’re using a smaller jar adjust accordingly. Mix water, Rice Vinegar and 2tbsp Sugar with a pinch of salt and shake. Add in shredded carrot and thinly sliced red onion. Let sit in the fridge while you make the rest of the food. While my cutting board is out from the onion I also thinly slice my cucumbers and save them for later along with chopped red cabbage. Fun tip, you can leave pickled reds and veggies in the fridge to toss on salads throughout the week. Amazing, I know. 

If you’re using an air fryer you can preheat it now to 350°.

Using three bowls, the first will have the flour and a little salt and pepper. The Second bowl, whisked egg and the third, a mix of Unsweet Coconut Flakes and Panko. Dip your shrimp into the flour, then egg, and then coat in coconut and panko.

Set on a plate until finished. Put them on the air fryer rack and cook for 10 minutes flipping halfway through. 

If you’d like to pan fry them, coat the bottom of a saute pan in vegetable oil. Splash with a drop of water and if it sizzles it’s ready. Place shrimp and let fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and flip. 

While your shrimp are in the air fryer you can steam the buns. I got my steamer and Bao Buns at the asian market for less than 10 dollars and amazon has some great ones as well. Fill a saute pan so just the bottom is covered in water and put your steamer on top. The buns take four minutes to steam. 

Go ahead and make some sriracha aioli by mixing two tablespoons mayo with one tablespoon sriracha in a plastic bag. 

When the buns are done, open them up and stuff with some shredded red cabbage, cucumber slices, and pickled red onion and carrot.

When the shrimp are done, cut in half and also place in the bun. Drizzle with sriracha aioli, top with cilantro and serve. 

The perfect combination of spicy and sweet and they are so damn good.