Description
These Coconut Shrimp Pineapple Wonton Cups feature golden-fried shrimp coated in a crispy blend of panko and shredded coconut, nestled in baked wonton wrappers and topped with fresh pineapple salsa, red bell pepper, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. Perfect for entertaining or a light meal, they bring tropical flavors and satisfying crunch to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 wonton wrappers, square or round
- 24 raw peeled medium shrimp, about 400 g, patted dry
- 60 g unsweetened shredded coconut, finely shredded
- 40 g panko breadcrumbs, for extra crispiness
- 1 beaten egg, for breading
- 40 g plain flour, all-purpose flour works perfectly
- 120 g finely diced fresh pineapple, fresh or frozen, thawed and drained
- 40 g finely diced red bell pepper, for color and crunch
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh lime juice preferred
- 60 g sweet chili sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Cups: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a 24-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or neutral oil.
- Shape the wrappers: Press each wonton wrapper gently into a muffin cup, allowing the edges to extend slightly above the rim for a rustic appearance. Lightly brush with neutral oil on all sides.
- Bake the cups: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, checking at the 10-minute mark to prevent over-browning. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before filling.
- Prepare the Coconut Shrimp Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk together until evenly distributed.
- Set up breading stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in another, and the coconut-panko mixture in a third.
- Coat each shrimp: Working one shrimp at a time, coat in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres. Set on a plate.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
- Pan-fry the shrimp: Working in batches to avoid crowding, place the coated shrimp in the hot oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp is cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Cool briefly: Let the shrimp rest for 2 minutes before assembling into the cups.
- Make the Pineapple Filling: In a small bowl, toss together the finely diced pineapple, diced red bell pepper, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and sweet chili sauce until well combined.
- Taste and adjust: Add more lime juice or salt if desired, depending on your preference for brightness and seasoning.
- Assemble the Cups: Carefully position one piece of coconut shrimp in the center of each crispy wonton cup.
- Add the filling: Spoon a small amount of the pineapple and red pepper mixture on top of each shrimp, allowing some of the sauce to drip down into the cup.
- Garnish: Sprinkle each cup with a small pinch of fresh chopped cilantro for color and herbaceous freshness.
- Serve immediately: These cups are best enjoyed warm and crispy, so serve right away while the wonton cups maintain their crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes