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Coconut Shrimp Tacos

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I don't usually go for desserts with shredded coconut, but I can never resist coconut shrimp. 

This budget-friendly recipe takes it to the next level, transforming them into the most delicious Coconut Shrimp Tacos EVER. 

With a touch of island flair from coconut, allspice, and pineapple salsa, it's a fresh take on classic shrimp tacos. 

I added red cabbage for extra color and crunch, but feel free to customize with jalapeños, avocado, or whatever your heart desires. 

Have fun in the kitchen; this recipe just might make a coconut lover out of you!


Easy Recipe for Coconut Shrimp Tacos

These homemade coconut shrimp tacos are seriously a must-try and are honestly easier to make than you think. I'm using a crispy coconut-panko breading, juicy shrimp, and our easy pineapple salsa for a sweet and savory bite that's fresh, fun, and totally irresistible. I've also included easy swaps and fun variations below (hello, air fryer option!) so you can make them your own. Trust me, once you taste that golden coconut crunch with the warm tortillas and bright, tangy salsa, you'll be hooked!

Budget-Saving Tip

Fresh shrimp is such a treat, but it isn't always the most budget-friendly option. I like to use frozen X-large shrimp and thaw them myself. It's usually more affordable, and they're just as delicious once they're cooked up golden and crispy. If you happen to score a great deal on fresh shrimp, definitely go for it, but frozen is usually the best bang for your buck!

Coconut Shrimp Tacos Recipe

This easy Coconut Shrimp Tacos recipe has crispy coconut-panko shrimp, sweet and spicy pineapple salsa, and fresh toppings. Easy variations included!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Total Cost $9.98 total / $2.50 per serving
Prep Time 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings (2 tacos per person)
Calories 789kcal

Equipment

4 Medium Bowls or Shallow Dishes
Heavy Bottom Skillet
Meat Thermometer
Paper Towels

Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)* $0.16
¼ tsp garlic powder $0.01
¼ tsp paprika $0.02
¼ tsp cumin $0.02
¼ tsp allspice $0.11
¼ tsp salt $0.01
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.04
1 egg, beaten* $0.50
1 Tbsp water $0.00
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (30g) $0.23
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (57g) $0.46
12 oz. X-large shrimp (19-22 per bag), thawed** $5.68
8 flour tortillas (taco size) $0.85
1 cup vegetable oil (8 oz)*** $0.64
¼ small red cabbage, shredded (150g) $0.29
½ cup pineapple salsa (4 oz) $0.96
Optional toppings: lime, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño

Instructions

Grab 4 medium bowls or shallow dishes. 

In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. 

In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 Tbsp of water. 

In the third bowl, add the panko and shredded coconut. Mix to combine. The last bowl will be where you place your prepared breaded coconut shrimp.

Toss the thawed shrimp in the flour, coating all sides. Do not overcrowd the bowl. You may need to work in batches. 

Next, dip the shrimp in the egg mix and completely cover. 

Lastly, press the shrimp into the panko/coconut blend, flipping over to cover all sides. Press firm so it adheres. 

Set the shrimp in the last bowl until all the shrimp are breaded and ready to fry.

Heat a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, dry toast the tortillas on each side until browned on the edges. 

Stack the toasted tortillas on a plate and cover with a towel until ready to serve.

In the same skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be 350 to 365℉. You can use a meat thermometer to check. Once the oil has reached the correct temperature, carefully place the coconut shrimp in the skillet for 2 minutes, until golden brown. Do not over crowd the skillet. Using tongs, gently flip the shrimp over and continue cooking for 2 more minutes.

Remove the coconut shrimp and place on paper towels to drain. Continue cooking until all the shrimp are done.

To assemble the tacos, place the shredded cabbage down the middle of the tortillas. 

Top with coconut shrimp, pineapple salsa, and any additional desired toppings.

Notes

*The amount of flour and egg wash was perfect for the amount of shrimp I had. If you get more shrimp or larger shrimp, you may need more.
**I made sure to buy peeled and deveined shrimp. You can thaw the shrimp in a few ways. I like to place them in the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. You can also run them under cold water for about 10 minutes. Never thaw them on the countertop, in the microwave, or under hot water. I used X-large shrimp (19-22 per bag) and loaded each taco with 2-3 shrimp.
***One cup of vegetable oil was the perfect amount of oil to shallow fry the coconut shrimp in. If you need to add more, you can. Make sure to maintain the oil temperature at 350-365°F.
The nutritional information does not include the optional toppings.
Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 789kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 65g | Sodium: 929mg | Fiber: 4g

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