If you are craving a dish that is irresistibly crunchy, bursting with vibrant flavors, and perfect for any gathering or weeknight treat, this Crispy Baked Shrimp with Spicy Lime Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine succulent shrimp coated in a golden, crunchy crust with a hint of coconut or garlic, paired with a bold, zesty dipping sauce that combines creamy mayo, fiery sriracha, and refreshing lime. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer or main dish that never fails to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together perfectly for taste, texture, and a pop of color. Each element plays its part to ensure the shrimp is crispy, flavorful, and complemented by a spicy, tangy sauce that makes every bite memorable.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp is the star here, providing a juicy and tender base.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These lend a light, airy crunch that makes the coating unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture that balance the heat; can be swapped with garlic powder or Parmesan for a twist.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dipping sauce, smoothing out the spice.
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce: Brings heat and vibrant color; adjust to your preferred spice level.
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds a burst of acidity that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick perfectly to the shrimp.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the flour and final taste balance.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue between shrimp and the crunchy coating.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, green touch to finish the dish with flair.
How to Make Crispy Baked Shrimp with Spicy Lime Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a wire rack or use cooking spray, then place it on a baking sheet. This setup allows the shrimp to crisp evenly as it bakes, ensuring that delightful crunch from every angle.
Step 2: Toast the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with shredded coconut—or your preferred substitute like garlic powder or Parmesan. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for quick cleanup, spread the mixture evenly, and toast in the oven for about 4 minutes until golden brown. Toasting intensifies the flavor and improves texture, making the coating irresistibly crispy once baked on the shrimp.
Step 3: Season the Crispy Coating
After toasting, transfer the breadcrumb mixture back into the bowl and stir in kosher salt. This seasoning step balances the sweetness from coconut (if used) and elevates the overall taste profile for more complexity in each bite.
Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Lime Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce
The magic sauce is a simple blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix these in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until serving time. This sauce adds creaminess, spice, and citrus zing—a trifecta that complements the crispy shrimp perfectly.
Step 5: Set Up Your Breading Station
On a plate, mix all-purpose flour with salt and freshly ground black pepper to season. Beat the eggs in a small bowl nearby. On another plate, spread out your seasoned breadcrumb mixture. This assembly line will streamline the breading process and ensure each shrimp is coated evenly and thoroughly.
Step 6: Bread the Shrimp
Take each shrimp and dip it first into the flour, then shake off excess. Next, dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Proper breading means every crispy bite will have that perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the shrimp juicy inside.
Step 7: Bake at a Higher Temperature for Crispy Perfection
Place a fresh sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet and arrange the breaded shrimp on the prepared rack. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the shrimp are beautifully golden and crispy. The higher heat helps lock in the crunch and cooks the shrimp to tender perfection.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your crispy shrimp to a platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and fresh aroma. Serve alongside the spicy lime mayonnaise dipping sauce and watch everyone dive in eagerly!
How to Serve Crispy Baked Shrimp with Spicy Lime Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley brings a fresh herbal note and beautiful color contrast, making the dish as inviting visually as it is delicious to eat. You can also add thin lime wedges for an extra citrus pop if desired.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines next to light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even a cooling cucumber slaw. These choices provide balance by cutting through the richness and heat while complementing the bold shrimp flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve these crispy baked shrimp on skewers with small bowls of the spicy lime mayo for dipping. Alternatively, stack them on a rustic wooden board with assorted dipping sauces and fresh lime wedges to create a fun, interactive appetizer experience that friends will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy baked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their crunch, keep them separate from the dipping sauce, which you should also refrigerate in its own container.
Freezing
If you want to keep some on hand for busy nights, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. The dipping sauce is best made fresh but can be stored for a few days in the fridge instead of freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes to revive the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Warm the sauce separately and serve alongside for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry to remove excess moisture, and then proceed with breading and baking. Dry shrimp ensures the coating sticks well and gets crispy.
What can I substitute for shredded coconut?
If coconut isn’t your thing, swapping it with garlic powder adds savory depth, while Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that’s equally delicious. Both substitutes maintain great texture in the breadcrumb mix.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add to the dipping sauce. Start with less if you prefer mild spice and add more as you like—it’s easy to adjust for your taste buds.
Can I fry the shrimp instead of baking?
You can, but baking keeps this dish lighter and less oily while still delivering incredible crunch. If you do fry, choose oil with a high smoke point and watch the shrimp carefully to avoid overcooking.
How do I make sure the shrimp stay crispy?
Using a rack on the baking sheet allows air to circulate around the shrimp, helping them crisp all over. Toasting the bread crumb mixture beforehand and baking at a higher temperature also ensures maximum crunchiness.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Baked Shrimp with Spicy Lime Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. From the satisfying crunch to the lively sauce that perfectly balances heat and tang, it’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates simple shrimp to something extraordinary. Give it a try next time you want a delicious, fuss-free meal with an impressive flair — your taste buds will thank you!
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Crispy Baked Shrimp with Spicy Lime Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Baked Shrimp recipe offers a deliciously crunchy seafood appetizer or main dish, featuring large shrimp coated in a golden panko and coconut breadcrumb mixture, baked to perfection. Served with a spicy and tangy sriracha mayonnaise dip, it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or 1 ½ cups if omitting the coconut)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (or substitute with ¼ cup garlic powder or Parmesan cheese)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Rack: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a rack or use cooking spray, then place it on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Mix Breadcrumbs and Coconut: Combine panko breadcrumbs with shredded coconut, or your preferred substitute of garlic powder or Parmesan cheese, in a bowl.
- Toast Breadcrumb Mixture: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly on the parchment and bake for about 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Season Breadcrumbs: Return the toasted breadcrumb mixture to the bowl and mix in the kosher salt to season.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Set Up Breading Station: On one plate, place the all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, have the beaten eggs ready. On another plate, spread out the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bread the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure even coverage.
- Arrange Shrimp for Baking: Place a new sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet. Arrange the breaded shrimp on the prepared rack evenly spaced.
- Bake Shrimp: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and bake the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are crispy, golden brown, and cooked through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the shrimp to a platter, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with the chilled sriracha mayo dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the shrimp are fully dried before breading.
- You can adjust the spice level of the dipping sauce by modifying the amount of sriracha.
- Using a wire rack for baking allows for better air circulation, promoting a crunchier texture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free versions.
- Leftover shrimp are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
