Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Coconut Shrimp with Muscadine Dipping Sauce

A twist on the old standby from Commander’s Palace. If you can’t find muscadine jelly in your local market, then you need to move further south.

Ingredients

24 large (15-20 count) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

1/2 tsp Creole Seasoning

4 egg whites

2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, or 2 1/2 cups shredded fresh coconut

Canola or peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

Three-bowl breading procedure: Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. In the first small bowl combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. In the second bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. In the third bowl, place the coconut.

Coat the shrimp with the cornstarch and shake off excess. Dip into the egg white and then press into the coconut, covering entire shrimp. Keep one hand dry to make the process neater.

In a large pan, heat the oil to 350 degrees and gently submerge the shrimp, six at a time. Fry for approximately 3 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove to a rack or paper towel to drain.

Serve with Muscadine Dipping Sauce.

Yeild: 24

Recent Recipes

Potato Gratin

Potatoes are the one vegetable I could never give up. Fried, roasted, mashed, or scalloped—doesn’t matter, they’re always on the table in one form or another. This gratin is my favorite way to make them feel a little more special. It’s rich, creamy, and just decadent enough to make it feel like you’re putting in some extra effort. There’s a good bit of cheese in this recipe, but that’s exactly how it should be. The combination of sharp white Cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan gives it the perfect balance of nuttiness, creaminess, and tang. And using Yukon gold potatoes instead of russets makes a big difference. They have just the right amount of starch to get creamy without getting mushy. This dish is a showstopper on the holiday table, but I’d eat it on a random Tuesday without hesitation.

Read more

Orange Cranberry Muffins

These muffins are like Christmas morning in a bite—bright, citrusy orange paired with tart, bursting cranberries. The combination feels like something you'd find in a festive basket dropped off by a thoughtful neighbor. Perfect for Christmas gift giving or to have on hand for guests throughout the holiday.

Read more

Chocolate Christmas Cheesecake

Chef Linda Roderick has been by my side through these cookbooks for over two decades, and there’s no one I’d rather have guiding me through a cheesecake recipe. She’s a master of the craft—steady, exacting, and always aiming for perfection. This rich, decadent chocolate cheesecake is no exception. It's all about balance. The deep, smooth chocolate filling meets a crisp, slightly salty crust for a perfect bite every time. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing—otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps. And when you melt the chocolate, give it time to cool slightly before mixing it into the batter, so you don’t end up with curdled filling. It’s worth the patience, every time. A few techniques can elevate this recipe to another level: chilling the dough overnight for a richer flavor, using a water bath to ensure an ultra-smooth texture, and letting the cheesecake rest for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor.

Read more