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Sweetened or Unsweetened Coconut in Coconut Shrimp Recipe

By stacy ling

Quick and Easy Recipes

Making coconut shrimp but aren't sure whether sweetened or unsweetened coconut works best? Follow these tips to make the tastiest coconut shrimp recipe. 

When making coconut shrimp, it is generally recommended to use unsweetened shredded coconut. Here's why.

Balancing Flavors Unsweetened shredded coconut allows  you to have more control over the sweetness of the dish. Since coconut shrimp already contains a natural sweetness from the shrimp and the coconut combination, using sweetened shredded coconut can result in an  overly sweet final product.

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Texture Sweetened shredded coconut is typically softer and moister due to the added sugar content. This can affect the texture  of the coating, making it less crispy when cooked. Unsweetened shredded coconut tends to have a drier texture, which helps achieve a crispier coating on the shrimp. 

Control By using unsweetened shredded coconut, you have the flexibility to adjust the sweetness of the dish to your preference.

In most traditional recipes and for the best balance of flavors and  textures, unsweetened shredded coconut is the preferred choice for  making coconut shrimp.

That being said, the choice between sweetened and unsweetened shredded  coconut ultimately depends on personal preference and the flavor profile  you want.

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If you prefer a sweeter coconut shrimp or enjoy the added sweetness from  sweetened shredded coconut, feel free to try it both ways and see which  is best for you.

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Follow along to learn more about how to make this recipe for coconut shrimp.

Quick and Easy Recipes

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