Nothing says “party” like a platter of coconut shrimp. This classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer is always a hit, but why not pair it with other delicious dishes to create the perfect meal? From tangy fruit salads to crisp vegetable appetizers, here are the 31 best appetizers to serve with coconut shrimp.
About Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp is a delightful seafood dish that is known and savored around the world. This succulent morsel of tiger shrimp is battered in a tasty blend of freshly-shredded coconut, seasoning, and crispy yellow cornmeal.
The tantalizing flavors create an unforgettable experience that leaves taste buds wanting more.
Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main course at a local restaurant or served right at home, coconut shrimp is an all-time favorite, with its crunchy exterior giving way to juicy and tender shrimp meat inside.
It also goes well with an assortment of dipping sauces to enhance its flavor and take it to the next level. If you still need to try it, make sure to do so soon!
Try any of these Appetizers to pair with Coconut Shrimp- Plantain chips, Shishito peppers, Roasted cauliflower, Fennel Salad, Fried calamari, Sweet potatoes, Baked artichoke dip, Brussel sprouts, Caprese skewers, Avocado and Tomato Salad, Baked crab Rangoon Dip, Curried Fruit Salad, Jalapeno Poppers, Spinach Artichoke Dip, honey sriracha wings, and more.
31 all-time best Appetizers to Serve with Coconut Shrimp
1. Plantain chips
Plantain chips are a delicious and unique way to add a crunchy texture to your meal. They have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the sweetness of the coconut shrimp, so plantain chips are the perfect pairing.
2. Charred shishito peppers
Charring adds a smoky flavor to these peppers that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the coconut shrimp. Plus, they are an easy dish to make ahead of time, making them ideal for large gatherings.
3. Roasted cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a great way to add plant-based nutrition and flavor to your menu without wasting too much space on your plate or in your stomach! It also pairs well with other dishes like coconut shrimp due to its subtle flavors.
4. Fennel salad
Fennel has a lovely licorice-like taste that pairs perfectly with sweet foods like coconut shrimp. Try tossing thinly sliced fennel with diced apples, walnuts, olive oil, and lemon juice for an easy yet delicious side dish that everyone will love!
5. Fried calamari
Fried calamari is another classic appetizer that goes well with coconut shrimp because it has a similar crunchy texture and can be served in bite-sized portions for easy sharing at parties or family dinners alike!
6. Grilled sweet potato wedges
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. They have a natural sweetness that complements many other dishes, including coconut shrimp!
So try grilling up some wedges as an easy yet healthy side dish option – just be sure not to overcook them!
7. Baked artichoke dip
Artichokes are loaded with antioxidants1 and fiber and provide a creamy texture when cooked properly – making them ideal for dips like this one!
Serve it with some crispy crostini or crackers for an easy (and delicious!) appetizer option that will please even the pickiest eaters at your next meeting!
8. Crispy & Roasted Brussels sprouts
Brussel sprouts may be small, but they pack quite a flavorful punch when roasted or fried correctly – making them an excellent accompaniment for any type of seafood, including coconut shrimp!
Try roasting them in some garlic oil before sprinkling over some Parmesan cheese before serving warm from the oven!
Add bacon pieces for extra flavor (optional).
9. Caprese skewers
Caprese skewers are always popular among guests since they look as good as they taste.
Plus, they’re incredibly simple to assemble beforehand too!
Simply thread alternating slices of tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto wooden skewers before drizzling over the balsamic vinegar and serving alongside your main course of coconut shrimp!
10. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fun and flavorful way to kick off your meal. Simply cut sweet potatoes into fry shapes, season them with salt and pepper, and bake until golden brown.
Serve them plain, or add a dollop of pesto or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
11. Avocado and Tomato Salad
A simple yet tasty salad that pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp. Start by combining diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and diced avocados in a bowl, then toss with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Top it off with freshly-chopped cilantro for some added zing!
12. Baked Crab Rangoon Dip
Baked crab Rangoon is a creamy dip packed with flavors that pair beautifully with coconut shrimp!
Combine cream cheese, green onions, crab meat (or imitation crab), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl before transferring to an oven-safe dish and baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until bubbly on top.
Serve warm with crackers or chips!
13. Curried Fruit Salad
For something light yet flavorful, try this curried fruit salad that combines apples, oranges, mangoes, and pineapple tossed in a creamy curry yogurt dressing. The subtle sweetness of this refreshing salad goes great alongside coconut shrimp!
14. Jalapeno Poppers
For those who prefer their appetizers on the spicier side, try these jalapeno poppers made from fresh jalapenos filled with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika before lightly breading them in seasoned panko crumbs then baking in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top!
Add bacon pieces as desired for extra flavor (optional).
15. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Another creamy dip that’s perfect for accompanying coconut shrimp is this spinach artichoke dip.
The dip is made from frozen spinach combined with artichoke hearts stirred into a mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese before baking in an oven-safe dish at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes or until bubbly on top!
16. Honey Sriracha Wings
Try these sweet yet spicy honey sriracha wings as another excellent pairing option!
Simply combine honey sriracha sauce (or store-bought) along with melted butter before tossing wings into the mixture and then baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes or until cooked through when tested using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing without touching bone. These wings will be sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
17. Creamy Cucumber Salad
End your meal on a refreshing note by adding this creamy cucumber salad made from thinly sliced cucumbers combined with Greek yogurt mixed together with fresh dill, then seasoned lightly with sea salt before serving chilled!
18. Grilled Pineapple and Avocado Salad
Grilled Pineapple and Avocado Salad is a flavorful dish that will surely be a hit with guests at your next gathering.
A combination of grilled pineapple, ripe avocados, and red onion dressed in tangy lime juice makes for a light and refreshing appetizer that pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp.
19. Coconut Rice Cakes
A tasty twist on traditional rice cakes, these are made with coconut-infused jasmine rice and topped with a sweet chili sauce for a flavorful appetizer that’s sure to please.
20. Coconut and Mango Salsa
This tropical salsa combines fresh mangoes, diced red onion, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice. Serve it with our coconut shrimp for a sweet and zesty treat.
21. Tempura Veggies
Combining crunchy veggies like carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions in light tempura batter makes for an addictive appetizer that pairs well with our coconut shrimp.
22. Coconut-Fried Plantains
The sweet and savory coconut-fried plantains are a great addition to any appetizer platter. The combination of sweet, creamy plantain wedges covered in a light crispy coating of shredded coconut is sure to be popular with your guests.
23. Thai Sweet Chili Wings
These wings are the perfect finger food for your next gathering. Crispy and tangy are coated in a sweet chili sauce that pairs perfectly with our coconut shrimp.
24. Coconut Shrimp Spring Rolls
Take your appetizer platter up a notch by serving delicious spring rolls filled with shrimp and vegetables, all wrapped up in delicate rice paper wrappers and served with a sweet chili sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
25. Pineapple and Mango Salsa
This colorful and flavorful appetizer combines sweet and spicy mangoes, diced pineapple, jalapenos, red onions, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic for a perfectly zesty mix that complements the delicious coconut shrimp.
26. Avocado Feta Dip
A creamy and savory mix of creamy avocados, feta cheese, diced tomatoes, garlic, green onions, and lime juice. Serve with pita chips or crackers for an irresistible snack.
27. Coconut Shrimp Bites
Bite-sized pieces of crunchy coconut shrimp are served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce to make the perfect appetizer.
28. Cilantro Lime Hummus
A flavorful and zesty blend of chickpeas, garlic, tahini, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt makes for a delicious dip or spread to serve with pita chips or cut-up vegetables.
29. Mexican Street Corn Dip
Mexican Street Corn Dip is a crowd-pleasing dip that combines shredded cheese, creamy mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, garlic, and onion for a tangy taste. Serve with tortilla chips for an irresistible snack.
30. Baked Coconut Chicken Fingers
Bite-sized chicken pieces are breaded in coconut flakes and served with a sweet and savory dipping sauce. Perfect for an appetizer or party snack.
31. Caprese Skewers
A unique take on the traditional Caprese salad, these delicious skewers feature tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves with a light balsamic drizzle.
What is the best flavor that goes with Coconut Shrimp?
Though tastes differ, many agree that a mild curry is the best flavor to pair with Coconut Shrimp.
The buttery sweetness of the shrimp creates a delicious canvas for adding subtle aromatics. On its own, coconut shrimp can be considered a bit bland;
However, the dish becomes complex and genuinely succulent when complemented by savory spices such as cumin and turmeric—all part of a classic curry seasoning. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this intriguing culinary combination has garnered enthusiastic reviews!
Words from April
Whether you’re hosting an outdoor party or having dinner at home, these nine appetizers are sure to complement any meal featuring coconut shrimp perfectly!
From roasted cauliflower to Caprese skewers, there’s something here for every taste preference. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy all these delicious options alongside your main course today!
