Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce

Prep: 15 minCook: 20 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce

Golden coconut-crusted shrimp baked until perfectly crispy, served alongside a vibrant mango sauce that balances sweet tropical fruit with a hint of jalapeño heat. The three-step breading process creates an incredibly crunchy coating without deep frying. This restaurant-quality appetizer is ideal for entertaining, game day gatherings, or as a light dinner paired with rice. The homemade mango sauce this dish beyond typical coconut shrimp with its fresh, bright flavors.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 egg whites
  • 4 tbsp tapioca starch
    cornstarch1:1gluten-free

    similar binding

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
    heavy cream1:1dairyadds dairy

    richer sauce

    Full guide →
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup mango, chopped
  • cup coconut milk
    heavy cream1:1dairyadds dairy

    richer sauce

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly minced
    serrano pepper1:1heat

    more heat

  • 2 tsp raw honey
    maple syrup1:1vegan

    slightly different flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and line pan with wire rack

  2. 2

    Season tapioca starch with salt and pepper in one bowl

  3. 3

    Set up three bowls in order: seasoned tapioca starch, egg whites, shredded coconut

  4. 4

    Dredge each shrimp in tapioca starch, then egg whites, then coconut

  5. 5

    Place coated shrimp on wire rack

  6. 6

    Bake for 10 minutes on each side

  7. 7

    Blend mango, lime juice, jalapeño, coconut milk, and honey until smooth

  8. 8

    Serve hot shrimp with mango sauce

Tips

Tip 1

Pat shrimp completely dry before breading to help coating stick better

Tip 2

Don't overcrowd the wire rack - leave space between shrimp for even crisping

Tip 3

Adjust honey in mango sauce to taste depending on sweetness of your mango

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover shrimp in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.

Make Ahead

Bread shrimp up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Mango sauce can be made 1 day in advance.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot and crispy with sauce on the side for dipping

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the wire rack or shrimp will steam instead of crisp

Watch

Avoid flipping too early to prevent coating from sticking to pan

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

coconut milk
heavy cream1:1dairyadds dairy

richer sauce

Full guide →

Vegan Options

raw honey
maple syrup1:1vegan

slightly different flavor

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

tapioca starch
cornstarch1:1gluten-free

similar binding

Full guide →

General Alternatives

jalapeño
serrano pepper1:1heat

more heat

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat very dry before breading. Frozen shrimp may release more moisture during cooking.

What if I don't have tapioca starch?

Cornstarch works as a direct substitute and will create similar crispy results in the coating.

How long does the mango sauce keep?

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as separation may occur.