15+ Mouthwatering Dishes to Make with Coconut Shrimp: Your Complete Guide

Hey there fellow foodies! I’ve been experimenting with coconut shrimp recipes lately and lemme tell you – there’s WAY more you can do with these crispy little bites of heaven than just serving them as appetizers. Today, I’m gonna share some amazeballs dishes you can create using coconut shrimp as your star ingredient!

Why Coconut Shrimp Makes an Awesome Base

Before we dive into the recipes, here’s why coconut shrimp is such a fantastic ingredient to work with

• Sweet and savory flavor profile
• Crispy texture that holds up well
• Versatile enough to pair with many cuisines
• Quick cooking time
• Always impresses guests!

Main Dish Ideas Using Coconut Shrimp

1. Tropical Coconut Shrimp Rice Bowl

This is my absolute fave way to turn coconut shrimp into a complete meal!

What you’ll need:

• Coconut lime rice as the base
• Crispy coconut shrimp
• Diced mango
• Sliced avocado
• Red cabbage slaw
• Cilantro for garnish
• Sweet chili sauce

2. Asian-Inspired Coconut Shrimp Stir-Fry

Components:

• Coconut shrimp
• Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
• Ginger-soy sauce
• Served over noodles or rice

3. Coconut Shrimp Tacos

Y’all gonna love these fusion tacos!

Ingredients:

• Warm corn tortillas
• Coconut shrimp
• Pineapple salsa
• Cilantro lime slaw
• Spicy mayo drizzle

Amazing Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal

Fresh and Light Options:

1. Mango Salsa

• Diced mango
• Red onion
• Jalapeño
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro

1. Asian Quinoa Salad

• Cooked quinoa
• Edamame
• Shredded carrots
• Sesame dressing

1. Zesty Cucumber Salad

• English cucumber
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh dill

Warm Side Dishes:

1. Coconut Rice

• Jasmine rice
• Coconut milk
• Green cardamom
• Toasted coconut flakes

1. Grilled Pineapple

• Fresh pineapple wedges
• Brown sugar
• Balsamic glaze

Sauces and Dips That’ll Take Your Coconut Shrimp to the Next Level

1. Sweet Chili Sauce
2. Mango-Honey Dip
3. Pineapple-Cilantro Sauce
4. Spicy Mayo
5. Orange-Chili Dip

Tips for Perfect Coconut Shrimp Every Time

1. Don’t skip the double coating
2. Use unsweetened coconut flakes
3. Make sure oil is at right temp (350°F)
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan
5. Drain on paper towels

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare components separately
• Storage: Keep in airtight container
• Reheating: Use air fryer or oven (350°F for 5-7 mins)
• Freezing: Up to 3 months in freezer bags

FAQ About Cooking with Coconut Shrimp

Q: Can I make these dishes with frozen coconut shrimp?
A: Yep! Just cook according to package directions before incorporating into recipes.

Q: How do I keep the coconut coating crispy?
A: Don’t stack ’em when storing, and reheat in air fryer or oven (never microwave!)

Q: What’s the best oil for frying coconut shrimp?
A: I prefer vegetable or canola oil – they’ve got high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Time-Saving Shortcuts

1. Use pre-made slaw mix
2. Buy prepared mango salsa
3. Use instant rice
4. Get pre-peeled and deveined shrimp

Wine Pairings (Because Why Not?)

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Prosecco
• Light Pinot Grigio

Y’all, cooking with coconut shrimp doesn’t have to be complicated! These recipes are super versatile and can be mixed and matched to create your perfect meal. Whether you’re doing a casual weeknight dinner or fancy dinner party, there’s something here for everyone.

I’d love to hear what you create with your coconut shrimp – drop me a comment below with your fave combinations! And don’t forget to save this post for later – trust me, you’re gonna want to try all these recipes!

Happy cooking, friends!

Note: Some of these recipes can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice levels or ingredient substitutions!