Crispy coconut crusted shrimp are topped with a sweet and spicy mango salsa in this Coconut Shrimp Taco Recipe that brings a taste of the tropics to taco night!
Looking to make taco Tuesday a little more exciting? Also check out these Black Bean Tacos, Brisket Tacos, Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema, or Fried Fish Tacos.
This is my least favorite time of year. Especially here in Utah. You can almost feel spring creeping around the corner, but you also know that there are still lots of gloomy days ahead. Many days, you have the inversion hanging over your head. And while there is still snow on the ground, it is now dirty and melting and patchy and black and just not the pretty white snow you see on the covers of all the Christmas cards.
I’m really wishing that a weekend in the mountains was in our near future. Or that spring would actually come early for once.
But since I know I have to bear it a little longer, then next best thing to do is dream of tropical locations and sand in between my toes.
And while I can’t make Aruba happen in my near future, I can make this Coconut Shrimp Taco Recipe with Mango Salsa happen soon!!
Oftentimes, I’ll get recipe inspiration from things I see – restaurant menus, commercials, or grocery store advertisements. Many months ago, I saw a billboard advertising shrimp tacos with mango salsa, and I quickly jotted down a note, thinking to save the idea to use at home. Well, it had been sitting in my notes for quite some time, until I decided that I needed a taste of the tropics to brighten up a gloomy winter day. And let me tell you – you can definitely use some brightening on a February day!!
This shrimp taco recipe is perfect for anyone who is a fan of the sweet/salty/spicy combo. I used sweetened shredded coconut because that is what I had on hand, plus I wanted a little bit of sweetness. You can definitely sub in unsweetened coconut if that is what you have. You’ll also get some sweetness from the mango, but the spicy jalapeño helps to balance that out. But the coconut with the shrimp with the mango salsa? Amazing. I haven’t had those takeout tacos that inspired this shrimp taco recipe, but I would bet that these are just as good, if not even better!!
More Tropical Inspired Recipes
Citrus Fish Tacos
Tropical Fruit Salad
Tropical Guacamole
Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Grilled Lemon Shrimp
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Coconut Shrimp Taco Recipe with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
Coconut Shrimp
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- oil for frying
- 24 large shrimp peeled, deveined and tails removed
Mango Salsa
- 1 mango diced
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1/2 – 1 jalapeño pepper finely diced
- juice of 1 lime
For the tacos
- 8 soft taco size flour tortillas
- shredded purple cabbage
- sliced avocados
- cilantro
- fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Combine the panko, coconut, lime zest, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl or plate. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Place the cornstarch in a third bowl.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy pot or cast iron skillet to about 350ºF.
- Working with a few shrimp at a time, dip them into the cornstarch first, shaking off any excess. Transfer to the eggs, then into the panko mixture, coating the shrimp completely. Place in the oil and cook until browned and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and repeat until all of the shrimp are cooked.
- To make the salsa, combine the mango, red bell pepper, onion, cilantro and jalapeño in a small bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and stir to combine. If needed, season to taste with salt.
- To assemble, place 3 shrimp on each tortilla. Top with a couple slices of avocado, cabbage, cilantro, and some of the mango salsa. Squeeze fresh lime over the top, if desired.
Rina Hoge says
The shrimp was amazing! And the mango salsa – I added diced fresh strawberries and peaches with all the other ingredients and it was so delicious! Used just half the jalapeno and it was just enough to suit my famil’s taste. Thank you!!
Deborah says
I love the sound of strawberries and peaches! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Ann says
This recipe was a hit!
I substituted the panko with breadcrumbs and it was so delicious! Will definitely make again, thanks for sharing 🙂
Deborah says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ann!
Sara D. says
I made this for my family and they all loved it! The mango salsa was definitely the perfect touch. Thank you for the recipe!
Kathleen says
I love shrimp tacos! These look like a whole new level of deliciousness!