Crispy Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Tropical Pineapple Salsa
Delicious tacos featuring crispy coconut shrimp paired with a vibrant pineapple salsa, perfect for a casual dinner.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail off, raw)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- as needed Vegetable oil for frying
For the Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ whole jalapeño, seeded and minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 whole Juice of 1 lime
- to taste Salt
For the Cilantro-Lime Crema
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 whole Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- to taste Salt
For Assembly
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- as needed Lime wedges for serving
- as needed Extra cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the pineapple salsa by combining finely diced pineapple, red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and let chill.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one for the flour mixture, one for beaten eggs, and one for the coconut-panko mixture.
- Coat each shrimp by dipping into the flour first, then eggs, and finally the coconut-panko mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- While shrimp fry, prepare the cilantro-lime crema by whisking together sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
- Warm tortillas using an open flame or skillet until pliable.
Assembly
- Assemble the tacos by placing shredded red cabbage on each tortilla, followed by 3-4 pieces of crispy shrimp, a scoop of pineapple salsa, a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema, and garnish with extra cilantro.
- Serve tacos with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Ensure the oil is hot enough for crispiness. Let the salsa chill for flavor meld. Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and adjust cayenne based on spice preference.