Toasted Coconut Tempura Shrimp with Tropical Slaw, Lime Rice, and Sweet n’ Spicy Sauce

Step 1

In a medium pot, combine rice, 1¼ cups water (2¼ cups for 4 servings), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.

Step 2

Meanwhile, wash and dry all produce. Roughly chop cilantro leaves and stems. Zest and halve lime (halve both limes for 4). Drain pineapple over a small bowl, reserving juice. In a medium bowl, toss together cabbage, cilantro, pineapple, mayonnaise, juice from half the lime, half the pineapple juice, and ½ tsp sugar (1 tsp for 4). Season with salt and pepper. Add cashews.

Step 3

To bowl with reserved pineapple juice, stir in jam, a squeeze of lime juice, and sriracha to taste. Set aside. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan (preferably nonstick) over medium heat. Add coconut and ½ tsp sugar (1 tsp for 4 servings); cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes. Turn off heat; transfer to a second small bowl. Wipe out pan.

Step 4

Rinse shrimp under cold water, then pat very dry with paper towels. Season with salt. In a large bowl, combine tempura mix, half the toasted coconut, ½ tsp salt (1 tsp for 4 servings), and ⅓ cup cold water (⅔ cup for 4). Heat a ¼-inch-layer of oil in pan used for coconut over mediumhigh heat. Stir shrimp into batter until fully coated. Line a plate with paper towels.

Step 5

Once oil is hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles when added to the pan, add coated shrimp in a single layer. Cook in batches until golden brown and cooked through, 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side. (TIP: Add more oil as needed between batches, allowing it time to heat back up before frying more shrimp.) Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to paper-towel-lined plate. Immediately season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Fluff rice with a fork and stir in 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) and lime zest to taste; season with salt. Divide rice, shrimp, and tropical slaw between plates. Sprinkle shrimp and rice with remaining toasted coconut. Drizzle shrimp with sauce (or serve on the side for dipping).