Coconut Shrimp with Mango Chili Sauce – Coconut Shrimp Recipe is a tropical-inspired dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Crispy, golden shrimp are paired with a sweet and spicy mango chili sauce, and served alongside a fresh, crunchy Asian slaw. This coconut shrimp recipe brings together bold flavors and vibrant colors for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Coconut Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Mango Chili Sauce
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Pinch of salt
For the Asian Slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mango Chili Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine mango, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
2. Make the Asian Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and sesame seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Coconut Shrimp
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the coconut-panko mixture. Press gently to adhere.
- Place breaded shrimp on a plate and repeat with all shrimp.
4. Fry the Shrimp
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (350°F).
- Fry shrimp in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve
- Arrange coconut shrimp on a platter with a bowl of mango chili sauce for dipping.
- Serve with a side of Asian slaw.
Tips for Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- For extra crunch, double-dip the shrimp in egg and coconut-panko mixture.
- The mango chili sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Try adding sliced red bell pepper or snap peas to the slaw for more color and crunch.
FAQ – Coconut Shrimp
Can I bake or air-fry the shrimp?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes or air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
What can I use instead of mango?
Pineapple or peach works well as a substitute in the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in the oven for best results.
Looking for more tropical flavors? Try our Peach Pecan Parfait for dessert!