Crispy Coconut Shrimp Cakes with Mango Lime Salsa - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Cakes with Mango Lime Salsa

Get ready to wow your taste buds with these crispy coconut shrimp cakes! Golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor, they pair perfectly with a zesty mango lime salsa that’ll have you craving seconds. It's tropical, vibrant, and so easy to whip up—let's dive in!

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If there’s one dish that will instantly transport you to a tropical paradise, it has to be these Crispy Coconut Shrimp Cakes with Mango Lime Salsa. Just imagine the combination of golden, crunchy shrimp cakes and a zesty salsa bursting with fresh mango, lime, and a little kick of spice. I mean, you can almost hear the ocean waves and feel the sunbeams on your face! These shrimp cakes are my go-to for when I want something a little bit fancy but still totally doable for a weeknight dinner—or a showstopping appetizer at your next gathering. Let’s get cracking (or shelling?) because these flavors are about to blow your mind.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Cakes With Mango Lime Salsa Recipe

What makes this dish so special is the delightful layering of textures and flavors. The shrimp cakes are coated in shredded coconut, which turns beautifully golden and crunchy as it cooks, creating a satisfying crispy bite. Inside, you'll find juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a hint of garlic and a subtle sweetness from the coconut. But the star element that takes these to the next level is definitely the mango lime salsa. Sweet mango chunks, tangy lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a dash of jalapeño come together like a little salsa symphony. The sweet heat pairs perfectly with the savory cakes, creating a flavor explosion that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Now, let’s talk tips because I want you to absolutely nail this recipe. When forming the shrimp cakes, keep your hands slightly damp—it stops the mixture from sticking to you like glue. If you can, use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen shrimp that’s been thawed works just fine too (just pat it dry). And about that coconut? Use unsweetened shredded coconut for the coating; the cakes are already sweetened naturally with shrimp and mango, so you don’t want to overdo it. Finally, don’t skip chilling the shrimp cake mixture for a few minutes before cooking. It helps them hold together nicely while frying for an ultra-crispy finish.

You’re going to love how versatile this dish is! Serve these crispy shrimp cakes as an appetizer with a dollop of the mango lime salsa on top, or make it the main event by pairing them with a light green salad or coconut rice. You can even play around with variations—add some ginger to the shrimp mixture or swap the mango for pineapple in the salsa for a fruity twist. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this dish is bound to turn every meal into a mini vacation. So fire up your skillet, chop those mangoes, and let’s bring the tropics to your table!

Keywords: best shrimp cakes recipe, tropical shrimp cake appetizer, mango lime salsa for seafood, coconut shrimp cakes easy, crispy shrimp cakes dinner idea, homemade mango salsa recipe, unique tropical recipes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Fusion

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. 1

    Chop the shrimp into small pieces or pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, beaten egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

  3. 3

    Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape into small round cakes.

  4. 4

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the shrimp cakes for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  5. 5

    In a separate bowl, prepare the mango lime salsa. Combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and honey. Mix gently to combine.

  6. 6

    Serve the shrimp cakes warm with the mango lime salsa on the side or spooned on top.

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories per serving

Protein

16g

Carbs

16g

Fat

10g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before chopping or processing. Excess moisture can make the mixture too wet and hard to shape into cakes.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

A: If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes for a similar texture. Keep in mind that panko provides the crispiest result.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q: Can I bake the shrimp cakes instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake the shrimp cakes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have fresh mango for the salsa?

A: If fresh mango is unavailable, you can use canned or frozen mango chunks. For canned mango, make sure to drain any syrup, and for frozen mango, thaw and pat them dry before dicing.

Q: How should I store leftovers, and how long will they keep?

A: Store the cooked shrimp cakes and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp cakes will keep for up to 3 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain its freshness. Reheat the shrimp cakes in a skillet or oven for optimal crispiness.

Q: Can I make the shrimp mixture ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the shrimp mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, shape the cakes and fry them as directed. For best results, prepare the mango salsa fresh before serving.

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