The Macadamia Crusted Shrimp dish is a stunning starter that delivers both crunch and tropical flair. The coarse macadamia nut and panko crust locks in the juicy tenderness of jumbo shrimp, while the frying process brings a golden, irresistible crisp to the plate.
Paired with a sweet and spicy pineapple horseradish sauce, this appetizer hits all the right flavor notes—nutty, savory, sweet, and a little zippy. Whether you’re recreating memories of beachside dinners or simply want an impressive crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers bold elegance with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Wondra or all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup macadamia nuts, finely chopped
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup canola oil
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup pineapple preserves or jam
3 heaping tbsp fresh horseradish sauce
Directions:
Season shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
Set up your breading station:
Bowl 1: flour seasoned with salt and pepper
Bowl 2: beaten eggs with a splash of water, salt, and pepper
Bowl 3: mix of chopped macadamia nuts and panko, seasoned with salt and pepper
Dredge shrimp in flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat in the nut-breadcrumb mixture.
Place coated shrimp on a platter and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set the crust.
Mix the pineapple preserves and horseradish sauce in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry shrimp in batches, 3–4 minutes total, flipping once until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and lightly salt.
Serve hot with the prepared dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 38 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Taste of Coastal Luxury: The Story Behind Macadamia Crusted Shrimp
There are certain dishes that feel like a vacation on a plate—and Macadamia Crusted Shrimp is one of them. With roots in breezy coastal towns and flavors that balance indulgence and freshness, this dish embodies the essence of seaside indulgence. Its crisp, golden exterior and tropical dip make it perfect for entertaining, celebrating, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet bite at home.
Where This Dish Comes From: Inspired by Montauk’s Beach Culture
The inspiration behind this particular recipe hails from Montauk, a beloved beach town on the East End of Long Island, New York. The recipe is a nostalgic nod to a small roadside eatery called Cyril’s, once a local icon along Old Montauk Highway. A laid-back place known for frozen cocktails, fresh seafood, and good vibes, Cyril’s was more than just a stop for hungry beachgoers—it was part of the cultural fabric of the Hamptons.
One of the standout dishes served there was—you guessed it—macadamia-crusted shrimp. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a sweet and spicy sauce, it became a must-try for anyone who stopped in. Though the restaurant is now a memory, this recipe revives the experience in a modern home kitchen.
Why Macadamia Nuts Make This Dish Special
Macadamia nuts are not only rich in flavor but also carry a buttery, slightly sweet profile that pairs wonderfully with seafood. When chopped finely and used as a crust, they create a satisfying crunch that elevates shrimp from ordinary to unforgettable. Their texture complements the lightness of shrimp, and when combined with panko breadcrumbs, the result is a beautifully crisp exterior that doesn’t overpower the natural flavor of the seafood.
Macadamias also lend a subtle nod to Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine, adding a touch of island flair that makes this dish feel exotic and luxurious. Their high-fat content helps them toast quickly and evenly, making them ideal for quick-frying without the risk of soggy or bland results.
The Role of the Dipping Sauce
Every great crispy dish needs a standout dip—and in this case, it’s a simple yet punchy blend of pineapple preserves and horseradish. This sauce delivers a beautiful contrast: sweet, tangy pineapple meets the sinus-tingling zing of horseradish. It’s a clever, unexpected pairing that rounds out the dish and makes each bite feel layered and exciting.
The use of preserves rather than fresh pineapple not only simplifies preparation but also intensifies the sweetness, ensuring the sauce holds its own against the robust crust and savory shrimp. It’s this type of balance—sweet, spicy, crunchy, and juicy—that makes the whole dish sing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Macadamia Crusted Shrimp is best served hot, fresh out of the skillet, with the pineapple-horseradish sauce on the side. But how can you complete the plate?
Consider serving these with:
A crisp, citrusy slaw made with cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro to cut through the richness
A side of coconut rice or jasmine rice with fresh herbs for a tropical touch
Grilled pineapple or mango slices to reinforce the island theme
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco, or a tropical cocktail like a mojito or Mai Tai
For more formal occasions, the shrimp can be arranged artfully on skewers or small serving spoons for cocktail-style appetizers. For backyard gatherings, they can be heaped onto a rustic platter with lime wedges and dipping sauce in the center for guests to grab and go.
A Versatile Appetizer or Main Dish
While this recipe is perfect as a shareable starter, it’s also easy to scale up into a main course. Serve larger portions of shrimp alongside tropical sides or even over a fresh summer salad with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette.
Because the crust is gluten-sensitive (thanks to the panko), you can easily swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version if needed—making this an inclusive option for your guests or readers.
This dish also adapts well to air frying or oven baking, though traditional pan-frying yields the most consistent, golden crust. However, for a healthier or lower-fat variation, those methods are viable alternatives.
Why It’s Perfect for Entertaining
One of the best things about Macadamia Crusted Shrimp is how impressive it looks and tastes—despite being deceptively simple to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that looks like it took hours but can actually be prepped in under an hour, including refrigeration time for the breading to set.
The recipe is also highly make-ahead friendly. The shrimp can be breaded and chilled hours before guests arrive, then fried just before serving. The sauce, too, can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until it’s time to plate.
This ease, paired with its bold visual appeal and balanced flavors, makes it an entertainer’s dream. From upscale dinners to relaxed beach barbecues, it suits a wide range of occasions.
A Homage to Nostalgia, Culture, and Celebration
What makes this recipe truly special isn’t just the crunch of the shrimp or the flavor of the sauce—it’s the story behind it. Recipes that hold personal or regional nostalgia always bring a deeper level of connection, and this one channels both a specific place and a cherished food memory.
The homage to Cyril’s—its laid-back charm, its crowd-drawing character, and its sense of escape—is what adds soul to this dish. In a way, cooking it now allows you to recreate and share that spirit of Montauk from your own kitchen, no matter where you live.
And whether or not you ever made it to that roadside restaurant on Long Island, the taste of this dish is enough to transport you.
Conclusion: Bring the Beach Home
Macadamia Crusted Shrimp isn’t just a recipe—it’s a flavorful celebration of summer, seafood, and simplicity. The rich nuttiness of the crust, the tender, juicy shrimp, and the bright, bold dipping sauce all combine into a dish that’s as indulgent as it is easy to prepare.
For those who crave that feeling of sand beneath their feet and sunshine in their food, this recipe offers the next best thing. It’s a coastal classic that’s been reimagined for the home cook, yet it still carries all the charm and flavor of a vacation meal.
So whether you’re serving guests, honoring a memory, or just looking for something different, this dish delivers—and it does so with crunch, color, and a whole lot of character.