Red Lobster’s Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp has been a beloved menu item for years. The bread crumbs, coconut flakes, and pina colada mix on this shrimp make it crispy, making for a memorable meal. With this easy copycat recipe, you can recreate this delectable dish in just 30 minutes.
Red Lobster is known for their endless shrimp deals and wide variety of seafood dishes. If you love coconut shrimp you may be wondering – does Red Lobster have this tropical appetizer on the menu?
The answer is yes! Red Lobster offers both regular and jumbo sized coconut shrimp as one of their appetizer options. I’ll provide all the details on their preparation, flavors, and how to order this dish at your local Red Lobster restaurant
As a big fan of coconut shrimp myself, I was excited to learn that it’s available at one of the most popular casual dining seafood chains. Keep reading to get the scoop on this menu item.
An Overview of Red Lobster’s Coconut Shrimp
Red Lobster provides two ways to enjoy coconut shrimp. These are:
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Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp – Large coconut-crusted shrimp served with a piña colada dipping sauce.
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Traditional Coconut Shrimp – Smaller sized coconut shrimp also paired with the piña colada sauce.
Both appetizers feature shrimp coated in flaky coconut batter and fried until golden brown. They are served alongside the fruity, tropical piña colada dipping sauce for extra flavor.
The jumbo shrimp version contains approximately 6-8 shrimp, while you get around 12-15 shrimp in the traditional appetizer. So the regular coconut shrimp is better for sharing, while the jumbo makes a more substantial individual appetizer.
At most locations, the Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp is priced around $11.99, and the traditional appetizer is $9.99. However, prices can vary a bit by location.
Overall, having both size options makes it easy to choose based on your preferences for portion, price, and number of people sharing. No matter which you select, you’ll get the same crispy, coconut-covered shrimp taste.
The Signature Piña Colada Dipping Sauce
A key part of what makes Red Lobster’s coconut shrimp special is their homemade piña colada dipping sauce. This creamy, fruity concoction perfectly complements the coconut-crusted shrimp.
The piña colada sauce is made in-house using a blend of pineapple, coconut, rum extract, and cream. It delivers sweet, tropical flavors reminiscent of the classic warm weather cocktail.
When dunking the fried shrimp, the sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the crunchy coconut coating. It also infuses each bite with extra pineapple and coconut essence.
According to Red Lobster, they tested over 38 recipes before landing on their signature piña colada sauce. It’s uniquely designed to pair with their coconut shrimp vs. just using a generic sweet and sour or duck sauce.
The dipping sauce is truly half the fun and flavor of this appetizer. Red Lobster really got it right by developing a custom tropical-inspired sauce.
Preparation and Cooking Process
To maintain consistency across locations, Red Lobster follows careful procedures for preparing their coconut shrimp. Here are some key facts about how it’s made:
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Wild-caught white shrimp is used, sourced from socially responsible fisheries.
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Shrimp is hand-dredged in a coconut batter containing flour, coconut flakes, salt, and spices.
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The battered shrimp is deep fried in canola oil until golden brown and crispy.
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Fried shrimp is tossed in a sweet orange glaze for extra flavor and color.
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Fresh pineapple and coconut are used to prepare each batch of piña colada sauce.
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Sauces are made following proprietary recipes using high-quality ingredients.
By hand-coating the shrimp and frying to order, locations can deliver a fresh, made-to-order appetizer. The attention to detail with ingredients and preparation is aimed at achieving tasty, consistent results.
Ordering Tips
Coconut shrimp is one of Red Lobster’s most popular appetizer choices. Here are some tips for ordering it off the menu:
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Ask about any coconut shrimp promotions or specials. Periodically they offer deals like $1 coconut shrimp with any purchase.
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You can swap it as one of your side choices for no additional charge with most entrées. This allows you to sample it without paying full appetizer price.
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Order the traditional size for sharing or if pairing with additional apps and sides. Go jumbo if you want it as a heartier personal starter.
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Request extra piña colada sauce on the side – it’s so good! There’s usually only enough for the shrimp it’s paired with.
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The coconut shrimp pairs well with tropical cocktails like pina coladas, mai tais, or fruit punch.
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Online ordering is available in the Red Lobster app for convenient takeout or delivery.
There are so many possibilities for enjoying coconut shrimp at Red Lobster. Take advantage of deals when available or make it part of a bigger seafood feast.
Why Red Lobster’s Version Stands Out
There are certainly no shortages of restaurants in America that offer coconut shrimp. However, Red Lobster’s take on this appetizer has some advantages:
High-Quality Shrimp – They use only wild-caught, sustainable North American shrimp sourced with care. You can taste the difference that fresh, premium shrimp makes.
Signature Dipping Sauce – The piña colada sauce really sets their coconut shrimp apart. It’s exclusive to Red Lobster and adds unique tropical flavor.
Handmade Preparation – From hand-breading to frying in small batches, the attention to detail is evident. It’s not just churned out frozen.
Generous Portions – Whether you go for traditional or jumbo, the servings are hearty. No skimping on the shrimp here!
Great Value – For under $12, it’s a high-quality appetizer made from scratch. You’d pay much more for the same thing at fine dining restaurants.
Red Lobster offers a stand-out version of this appetizer favorite. The generous portion sizes, proprietary dipping sauce, and focus on fresh ingredients make all the difference.
Coconut Shrimp vs. Other Appetizers
If you’re trying to decide between appetizers at Red Lobster, how does the coconut shrimp compare? Here’s a quick rundown of how it stacks up:
Vs. Lobster-Artichoke-Spinach Dip – The hot, creamy dip is more shareable, while coconut shrimp makes for a heartier individual starter. The dip has a savory flavor profile, while the coconut shrimp is sweet and tropical.
Vs. Shrimp Cocktail – The cocktail has more simple, clean shrimp flavor, showcasing the seafood itself. Coconut shrimp trades off some shrimp essence for the additional flavors from frying and the dipping sauce.
Vs. Mozzarella Cheesesticks – Cheesesticks appeal to the classic fried cheese and marinara lovers. Coconut shrimp is a lighter yet still indulgent appetizer for those seeking a break from cheese and tomato.
Vs. Dragon Shrimp – For the adventurous, dragon shrimp brings the heat with spicy dressing. Coconut shrimp has wider appeal with its mild coconut flavors.
Depending on your preferences, appetizer cravings, and if you want to share, the coconut shrimp is a strong choice that pairs well with other starters.
Is Coconut Shrimp Always Available?
One thing to note is that coconut shrimp is not a permanent fixture on Red Lobster’s menu. It’s considered a seasonal appetizer.
You can generally rely on both versions being available during the spring and summer months. However, they may not be served year round at all locations.
During peak seasons like Lent, Red Lobster limits the menu to focus on core offerings. Core offerings like signature shrimp dishes, lobster, and limited time seafood specials.
The best way to find out current availability is to check individual restaurant menus online, on the app, or call ahead. Whichever way, this tropical shrimp treat makes a delicious appetizer to take advantage of while you can!
Coconut Shrimp Fans Rejoice
For lovers of the classic coconut shrimp appetizer, it’s great news that Red Lobster offers their own indulgent version. With its trademark piña colada dipping sauce, plump and crispy shrimp, and generous portions, it’s sure to satisfy your craving.
Red Lobster puts their signature touches on this favorite starter – and it pays off. Their unique preparation and focus on quality ingredients makes all the difference you can taste.
While availability may be limited seasonally, be sure to get an order in when you can. Coconut shrimp provides a perfect appetizer choice to kick off your Red Lobster feast.
So next time you’re craving a taste of the tropics, seek out this specialty shrimp dish. Now excuse me while I call my local Red Lobster to ask if they have any in stock. Aloha!
Red Lobster Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
Hands down, Red Lobster Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp is one of my long-time favorite recipes from the restaurant. It seems that this dish has been renamed Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp. You can get this delicious shrimp as either a main dish or an appetizer, no matter what it’s called.
The shrimp is coated in coconut flour and fried until golden brown. It is then served with a pina colada dipping sauce that is both light and tasty. Red Lobster also includes salsa on the side. Now, you can recreate this dish at home, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make.
What makes this shrimp so good?
There is no stopping this coconut shrimp. The Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is one of the secret ingredients in this recipe. However, all of the components contribute to its amazing taste and texture.
Tropical coconut, pina colada mix, and powdered sugar are mixed together to make it just the right amount of sweet to go with the shrimp. The shrimp’s tasty coating only needs breadcrumbs, rum, and cornstarch. However, the way they are cooked is also very important.
By frying the coconut shrimp, you get an extra crispy texture. There are recipes for coconut shrimp that can be cooked in the oven or an air fryer, but they don’t have the same texture or taste as shrimp that have been fried in oil right away. When you dip the shrimp in the pina colada dip while they are still warm, this appetizer goes to a whole new level of sweet.