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Coconut Shrimp Taco Recipe

Coconut Shrimp Taco Recipe - Quick Delicious Meals

Summer is here in all its glory, and there’s nothing quite like a tasty taco to celebrate the season. 
Enter the coconut shrimp taco: a dish that perfectly combines crunchy shrimp and creamy tang with a hint of tropical flair. The first time I had one at a beachside shack, I was hooked. The crispy shrimp paired with vibrant mango salsa danced harmoniously on my palate.
Cooking at home can seem daunting, but this recipe is as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as tacos? I’m excited to share my take on coconut shrimp tacos, complete with tips, tricks, and everything in between to ensure your next dinner is a hit.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 954

Ingredients
  

Crispy Coconut Shrimp:
  • 1/3 cup potato starch instead of cornstarch for extra crispiness
  • 1 cup Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs
  • 24 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes
  • Oil for frying vegetable or coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Mango Salsa:
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 of Juice lime
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
For the Tacos:
  • 8 soft flour tortillas medium size
  • Shredded purple cabbage
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice
  • Sliced ripe avocados
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Coconut Shrimp
  1. Begin by setting up a breading station. In one bowl, combine the potato starch, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, lime zest, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Bread the Shrimp
  1. Dredge each shrimp first in the potato starch mixture, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the panko mixture. Ensure each shrimp is fully coated.
Step 3: Heat Oil
  1. In a large frying pan, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan on medium heat. Wait until it's hot enough; a small drop of water should sizzle when it hits the oil.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
  1. Carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make Mango Salsa
  1. While the shrimp are frying, prepare the salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced mango, honey, lime juice, jalapeño, cilantro, red bell pepper, and red onion. Mix gently and set aside to let flavors meld.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
  1. Warm the flour tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable. To assemble, add a layer of shredded purple cabbage, top with a few pieces of coconut shrimp, a generous scoop of mango salsa, sliced avocado, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can work, but fresh is usually preferable.
  • For extra crunch, let the breading sit for a few minutes before frying. This helps it adhere better.
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side; the zest of fresh lime truly elevates the flavor profile.
  • If you're unsure about frying, try baking the shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes. Spray with oil for a crispy result.
  • Don’t skip the lettuce or cabbage. It adds a fresh crunch and offsets the richness of the coconut.