And what is more tropical than coconut fried shrimp and a little mango sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect summer snack, appetizer or accidental meal. And I say accidental meal because every time I have served coconut shrimp as an app people end up eating all the shrimp and not even bothering with dinner. But come on, it’s coconut-lime fried shrimp, so I really cannot blame them.
Actually though, I have really only made coconut shrimp twice, but both times the same thing happened. The first time I made this I was probably thirteen or fourteen and I was visiting my grandparents down in Florida. This was back when I had just stared to get into cooking, so I really had not a clue what the heck I was doing. Nor had I ever cooked shrimp before. Anyway, they were having their neighbors over for drinks and I offered to make coconut shrimp. YIKES. What were they thinking? I could have killed them all!!
Lucky for them I somehow managed to figure it out and it actually looked pretty descent too. Win, win for me! Now do not ask me where I came up with the idea for coconut shrimp, but we liked the sound of it so we went with it. I even made a little dipping sauce too. Back then, seafood, coconut and dipping sauce were a whole new world for me.
Since I am back in the same house again this week, hanging out with my grandma, I knew I wanted to make coconut shrimp again since it was a pretty big hit the first time. I couldn’t find or remember the recipe I used back then, but I kind of came up something I thought might be close, only I think this version is better. Like a lot better. I would hope that after six years of cooking I would be able to improve upon it.
It’s pretty simple and easy to make. You just need a lot of coconut, a lot of lime and some perfectly ripe mangos and peaches. I am sure you could use pineapple or really any sweet tropical fruit, but I really loved the sweet combo of mango and peach mixed with a fiery sauce.
I’m sure margaritas would go pretty well with this as well. Oh, oh or maybe some Mai Tai’s. Yes, Mai Tai’s, I see those in the near future for sure!
So I dare you to try stopping at just one of these little shrimpies. Really, I dare you.
I promise, it’s really not possible….you’ll just keep dipping and dipping!
