Caribbean-Style Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa
Juicy shrimp coated in a fragrant coconut batter, fried to golden perfection and served with a fresh, tangy mango salsa. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, shredded unsweetened coconut, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp jalapeño, seeded and minced
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1/2 cup coconut milk until smooth.
- Step 2: Dip each of the 1 lb large shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and coconut milk mixture, and finally coat evenly with 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Step 4: In a bowl, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp minced jalapeño. Toss gently to combine and let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Serve the crispy coconut shrimp hot alongside the fresh mango salsa for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean-Style Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean-Style Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean-Style Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean-Style Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My guests were amazed by the flavor! The coconut shrimp was perfectly crispy and the mango salsa was a refreshing finish.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made this for date night and it was a hit. The recipe is so easy and the flavors are amazing.
- ★★★★★
This is now a regular in our dinner rotation. The shrimp is so tender and the mango salsa adds the perfect sweet and tangy kick.
