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When sweet meets savory, magic happens — and these Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are pure sunshine on a plate! ☀️
Imagine crispy golden shrimp coated in coconut flakes, tucked inside warm tortillas, and topped with a refreshing mango salsa bursting with tropical flavor. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re on a beach in the Caribbean — no passport required! 🏝️

🌴 A Taste of the Tropics

This recipe combines the irresistible crunch of coconut shrimp with the vibrant freshness of mango salsa, creating a flavor explosion that’s both indulgent and light.
It’s a dish that perfectly balances textures — crunchy, creamy, and juicy — and flavors — sweet, spicy, and tangy.

Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to escape to paradise through your taste buds.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut 🥥
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten 🥚
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying

For the Mango Salsa:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced 🥭
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped 🌶️
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice 🍋
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
  • Salt, to taste

For Assembly:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas 🌮
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce 🌶️🥑

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Mango Salsa

Start by making the salsa so its flavors can meld together.
In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

💡 Tip: For extra sweetness, add a few diced pineapple chunks. For more heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in.
Set the salsa aside while you prepare the shrimp — the lime juice will slightly macerate the mango, enhancing its flavor.

2. Set Up the Shrimp Coating Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls:

1️⃣ In the first, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2️⃣ In the second, beat one egg until smooth.
3️⃣ In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.

This coating trio ensures that each shrimp turns out perfectly crispy and golden with that signature tropical crunch.

3. Coat the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this helps the coating stick.
Then, coat each shrimp by following this order:

  • Dredge it in the flour, shaking off the excess.
  • Dip it into the beaten egg.
  • Finally, press it into the coconut–panko mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.

Lay the coated shrimp on a plate or tray while you finish the batch.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer — avoid overcrowding the pan.

Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
The coconut will lightly toast, giving off a wonderful aroma. Remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

💡 Baking option: You can also bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil for a crispy finish.

5. Warm the Tortillas

While the shrimp rest, warm your tortillas:

  • Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side until soft and flexible.
  • Alternatively, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for 10 minutes.

Soft, warm tortillas help bring all the flavors together beautifully.

6. Assemble the Tacos

Now it’s time for the best part — building your tacos!

Lay out the warm tortillas and add a few crispy shrimp to each.
Top generously with fresh mango salsa, and if you like, add:

  • Shredded lettuce for crunch
  • Sliced avocado for creaminess
  • A drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce for an extra kick

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top to brighten every bite. 🍈

🌮 Serving Suggestions

Serve these Coconut Shrimp Tacos immediately while the shrimp are still warm and crunchy.
They pair perfectly with:

  • Coconut rice or cilantro-lime rice
  • Grilled corn on the cob with chili butter
  • A tropical drink like a mango margarita, coconut mojito, or pineapple smoothie 🍹

For a light dinner, serve two tacos per person. For a feast, double the recipe and invite friends — because these tacos disappear fast!

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Coconut Shrimp Tacos

  1. Use large shrimp: They hold up better to frying and give a satisfying bite.
  2. Chill before frying: After coating, refrigerate the shrimp for 10–15 minutes — this helps the coating stick better.
  3. Control the heat: If your oil is too hot, the coconut will burn before the shrimp cook through. Keep it at medium heat.
  4. Sweet mango, spicy salsa: Balance is key. Choose ripe mangoes and adjust the jalapeño to your spice level.
  5. Keep it crisp: Assemble tacos just before serving to prevent the shrimp from softening.

🥭 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos are fresh, fun, and unforgettable.
Every bite brings together the crunch of coconut shrimp, the sweetness of mango, the kick of jalapeño, and the citrus brightness of lime — all hugged by a soft tortilla.

It’s a tropical flavor party that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Plus, they’re incredibly photogenic — golden shrimp, vibrant salsa, and a splash of green cilantro make these tacos perfect for your next Instagram post! 📸✨

🌺 Final Thoughts

Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are more than just a meal — they’re a mood, a moment, a tropical escape. 🌴
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, they’ll instantly transport you to a place where the sun is shining, the ocean breeze is warm, and life tastes delicious.

So grab your tortillas, heat up your skillet, and let these tacos bring the tropics to your table tonight. 🏖️🌮💛

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