Coconut shrimp is one of those appetizers that you just can’t get enough of. The crispy coconut-breaded shrimp paired with a sweet pineapple or mango dipping sauce is a taste sensation. It has been a popular menu item at many chain restaurants like Red Lobster for years. But with restaurants frequently revamping their menus, you may be wondering does Red Lobster still have coconut shrimp?
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at Red Lobster’s coconut shrimp to see if it’s still available on their menu.
A Quick History of Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp originated in Southeast Asian cuisine before becoming popularized in North America in the 1980s and 90s. Chinese immigrants to Thailand are credited with creating the dish after using local coconuts to coat and fry shrimp.
The dish gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1980s when it started appearing on the menus of casual dining chains like Red Lobster. Offering new “Americanized” twists on classic dishes like coconut shrimp helped these chains expand their menus.
Coconut shrimp was an instant hit with American diners looking to try new and exciting flavors The sweet coconut coating contrasted perfectly with the savory and briny shrimp Dipping sauces like tangy orange marmalade or sweet pineapple sauce added even more flavor,
Coconut Shrimp on Red Lobster’s Menu
Red Lobster first added coconut shrimp to their menu in 1985. It quickly became one of their most popular appetizer items. Here’s a quick timeline of coconut shrimp at Red Lobster over the years:
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1985 – Coconut shrimp debuts on Red Lobster’s menu. It features large shrimp coated in shredded coconut and coconut milk then fried.
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1990s – Coconut shrimp is featured as an “Admiral’s Feast” menu item during a promotion. This added colossal-sized shrimp with a Hawaiian glaze.
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2000s – Various limited-time and seasonal coconut shrimp dishes appear, like a coconut shrimp skewer and spicy coconut shrimp.
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Today – Coconut shrimp remains a staple on the permanent Red Lobster menu. Both regular and jumbo sized are available.
So not only does Red Lobster still have coconut shrimp, but it has been a menu fixture for over 35 years!
Red Lobster’s Coconut Shrimp Options in 2022
These days, Red Lobster diners can still enjoy several coconut shrimp options:
Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
This dish features large, crisp jumbo shrimp coated in flaky coconut breading. It’s one of Red Lobster’s signature coconut shrimp dishes. The jumbo shrimp are hand-dipped in a coconut milk batter then coated with shredded coconut and fried.
The shrimp are served with Red Lobster’s iconic piña colada dipping sauce and your choice of two sides. Priced at $17.49 and with 1,220 calories, it’s a indulgent treat.
Coconut Shrimp Skewer
This shareable appetizer features shrimps coated in the same signature coconut breading but presented on a wooden skewer. The skewer makes for easy dipping into the piña colada sauce.
It’s a great way to sample coconut shrimp before your entree. Priced at $6.49 and with 590 calories, this appetizer version offers 4 large shrimps per skewer.
Admiral’s Feast
Red Lobster sometimes offers this seasonal dish that originally debuted in the 1990s. It features both regular and jumbo coconut shrimp along with Walt’s Favorite Shrimp and langostino lobster.
It’s the ultimate surf and turf feast piled high on a platter. When available, it’s usually priced around $29.
Create Your Own Coconut Shrimp Dish
You can also customize your own coconut shrimp dish using Red Lobster’s “Create Your Own” menu options. Options include:
- Choosing regular or jumbo coconut shrimp
- Picking your dipping sauce like piña colada or mango habanero
- Pairing it with sides like rice or crispy Brussels sprouts
- Adding extra shrimp skewers or lobster tails
So get creative and design your dream coconut shrimp meal!
Why Red Lobster’s Coconut Shrimp Remains Popular
There are several reasons why coconut shrimp remains an iconic menu item at Red Lobster after over 35 years:
Unique Flavors – The sweet coconut coating combined with savory shrimp is a flavor combination you can’t find anywhere else on the menu. It adds diversity to Red Lobster’s seafood options.
Nostalgia – For long-time Red Lobster fans, coconut shrimp brings back fond memories of dining there over the decades. It’s a nostalgic taste of the past.
Special Occasions – Coconut shrimp is often saved for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries when people want to indulge. The jumbo shrimp size and piña colada sauce make it feel extra special.
Adaptability – Coconut shrimp complements many flavors. Red Lobster can easily pair it with new sauces or mix up the presentation into things like skewers and appetizers.
Simple to Make – Though exotic sounding, coconut shrimp is relatively simple for most kitchens to replicate. This makes it an easy and profitable menu item for Red Lobster.
By appealing to diners’ nostalgia while still tasting fresh and exciting, it’s no wonder coconut shrimp remains a staple menu item at the nation’s largest seafood chain.
Is Coconut Shrimp Available Year-Round?
Coconut shrimp is so beloved that Red Lobster offers it on their permanent menu all year round. So no matter what season it is, you can always order this tropical appetizer or entree.
That said, Red Lobster does occasionally offer limited-time coconut shrimp dishes during certain promotions or seasons:
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Summer – Coconut shrimp skewers are sometimes added as a seasonal summer menu item. Red Argentinian shrimp coated in coconut are also featured some summers.
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Fall – For football season, Red Lobster often debuts new spicy coconut shrimp paired with a fall beer.
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Holidays – Around holidays like Mother’s Day, larger Admiral’s Feast platters with jumbo coconut shrimp are offered.
So while the classic coconut shrimp stays on the menu year-round, be on the lookout for fun seasonal twists on it as well.
Nutrition Information on Red Lobster’s Coconut Shrimp
If you’re wondering about the nutrition facts of Red Lobster’s coconut shrimp dishes, here are the calories and other nutrients:
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Jumbo Coconut Shrimp – For the 5 large shrimps, it contains 1,220 calories, 48g fat, 33g protein and 167g carbs. As a fried dish with coconut milk and heavy breading, it is quite high in calories and saturated fat.
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Coconut Shrimp Skewers – The appetizer skewer with 4 shrimps has 590 calories, 26g fat, 27g protein and 63g carbs. Slightly smaller shrimp in a portion controlled skewer makes this a lighter option.
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Piña Colada Sauce – The signature dipping sauce is 130 calories and 0g fat for 2 oz. It contains 33g carbs including 20g sugars. The sauce contributes added sugars.
Overall, coconut shrimp is a high calorie indulgence at Red Lobster. Those watching their weight ordiabetes may prefer getting it as an appetizer or sharing the jumbo entree version. Lighter dipping sauces like salsa also help reduce the calorie count.
Get Your Coconut Shrimp Fix at Red Lobster
Coconut shrimp has been a staple on Red Lobster’s menu for over three decades now. Its trademark sweet and crispy coating paired with a tropical dipping sauce remains a customer favorite.
While the recipe has stayed largely the same, Red Lobster does frequently offer some new twists on this classic appetizer. Be on the lookout for fun limited-time versions featuring different dipping sauces or shrimp varieties.
The jumbo shrimp entree and skewer appetizer provide two tasty ways to enjoy your coconut shrimp craving. And the “Create Your Own” menu always lets you customize your dream coconut shrimp dish.
So next time you’re craving a taste of the tropics, head to your local Red Lobster. Their iconic coconut shrimp recipes will transport you to paradise in every bite. Just be prepared to see this dish quickly disappear when dining with a group!
