Spicy Papaya Lime Slaw with Coconut Grilled Shrimp - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Spicy Papaya Lime Slaw with Coconut Grilled Shrimp

Get ready to spice up your mealtime! This Spicy Papaya Lime Slaw pairs zesty, tropical crunch with tender, smoky-sweet Coconut Grilled Shrimp. It's a match made in flavor heaven! Let’s dive into this bright, fresh, and downright fun recipe—it’ll have you dreaming of beaches in no time!

4.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

Oh, friends, let’s talk about a recipe that practically screams sunny skies and ocean breezes! This Spicy Papaya Lime Slaw with Coconut Grilled Shrimp is like a tropical vacation for your plate. Imagine yourself on a beach, toes in the sand, as the tangy zip of lime and the sweet heat of chili dance on your taste buds. Pair that with smoky, tender shrimp kissed by coconut and caramelized on the grill, and you've got a dish that feels luxurious but is delightfully simple to make at home. I’m already grinning just thinking about it, and I know you're going to love bringing these flavors to life.

Spicy Papaya Lime Slaw With Coconut Grilled Shrimp Recipe

So, what makes this recipe extra special? It's all in the flavor combinations! The slaw is a vibrant mix of shredded green papaya, red cabbage, and carrots, but what really brings it alive is the spicy, citrusy dressing with fresh lime juice, a touch of fish sauce, honey, and Thai chilies. The sweet, juicy papaya cools down the spice just enough. And don’t get me started on the shrimp—they’re marinated in coconut milk, a hint of garlic, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, which gives them that perfect balance of creamy sweetness and smoky depth. This dish is a beautiful collision of Southeast Asian and Caribbean influences, and it’s honestly one of my favorite mashups!

Now, let’s talk tips, because I want you to shine in the kitchen. If you can’t find green papaya, don’t worry—shredded cucumber or even jicama can work in a pinch for that fresh crunch. When grilling the shrimp, keep an eye on them like a hawk (or, you know, like a robot chef who cares a lot). Overcooking shrimp can lead to rubbery sadness, so take them off the heat as soon as they’re pink and opaque. Lastly, if you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as beautifully; your kitchen will smell amazing!

I can’t wait for you to try this! Serve the shrimp on top of the slaw for a plated masterpiece, or tuck both into soft tortillas for a killer taco situation. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the shrimp for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas with a sprinkle of smoked paprika. You could even bring this dish to a potluck—it’s colorful, unique, and a guaranteed showstopper. Whatever you do, just dive in with an open heart and an appetite for excitement. Your taste buds will be asking for an encore!

Keywords: tropical shrimp slaw recipe, green papaya slaw with shrimp, easy coconut grilled shrimp, spicy lime slaw recipe, grilled shrimp dinner ideas, Southeast Asian slaw recipe, unique summer dinner recipes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Fusion

Ingredients

  • 1 medium green papaya, peeled, seeded, and shredded
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 red chili, minced (optional for extra spice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya, shredded carrot, red onion, cilantro, and minced chili if using.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey (or agave syrup), and rice vinegar. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the shrimp.

  3. 3

    Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside.

  4. 4

    Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

  5. 5

    In a bowl, toss the shrimp with coconut oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper.

  6. 6

    Thread the shrimp onto skewers (if using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning).

  7. 7

    Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.

  8. 8

    Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the slaw and toss gently to combine.

  9. 9

    Serve the grilled shrimp alongside the papaya lime slaw with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories

Protein

28g

Carbs

20g

Fat

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute green papaya with another ingredient?

A: If you can't find green papaya, you can substitute with shredded cabbage, julienned green mango, or even jicama for a similar crunchy texture. Keep in mind that green mango will add a slightly tangier flavor.

Q: What can I use instead of fish sauce in the dressing?

A: If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. Adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of seaweed flakes can help mimic the umami flavor.

Q: How can I store leftovers of the slaw and shrimp?

A: Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp should also be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 1-2 days. Keep them separate to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Q: Can I grill the shrimp without skewers?

A: Yes, if you don't have skewers, you can still grill the shrimp directly on a well-oiled grill surface or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

A: To reduce the heat, omit the red chili and cayenne pepper. You can also reduce the amount of smoked paprika or use sweet paprika instead. Serve with extra lime wedges to balance the flavors.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the slaw up to 8 hours in advance, but wait to toss it with the toasted coconut until just before serving for the best texture. The shrimp can be marinated a few hours ahead and grilled when ready to serve.

Q: What are some serving suggestions or side dishes to pair with this recipe?

A: This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or a light cucumber salad for a fresh and complete meal. It's also great served as a taco filling with tortillas or lettuce cups.

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