Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsweetened shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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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