Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp coated in toasted coconut, grilled to smoky perfection, served alongside a tangy and spicy pineapple dipping sauce. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 28 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsweetened shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Place 1/4 cup all-purpose flour in a separate bowl and 1 beaten large egg in another.
  2. Step 2: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with the coconut-panko mixture.
  3. Step 3: Lightly brush the grill grates with 2 tbsp olive oil. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and slightly charred, with opaque flesh.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 3/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp sriracha sauce. Blend until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled coconut shrimp hot with the spicy pineapple dipping sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsweetened shredded coconut from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce?

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 Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce 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 Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce?

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.

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