A Tropical Coconut Crusted Fish You’ll Love

Hello friend! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a recipe that feels like a little escape to somewhere warm and sunny. That’s exactly how I feel about this coconut crusted fish with mango salsa. It’s fresh, it’s crunchy, and every bite has that sweet-and-savory magic that reminds me of a beach vacation. The mango salsa adds brightness, while the coconut coating makes the fish irresistibly crispy. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is actually so simple to pull together.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

I love that this recipe feels indulgent while still being nourishing. Fish is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Coconut, while giving that amazing crunch, also provides healthy fats that keep you full. Mangoes bring vitamin C, fiber, and a natural sweetness, which makes the salsa refreshing and good for your immune system. So yes—it tastes like a tropical treat, but it’s also something you can feel good about serving to your family or friends.

Adaptable Variations to Try

• Fish Options: If you don’t have white fish like cod or tilapia, try salmon for a richer flavor or shrimp for something fun.
• No Mango? Pineapple or peach salsa is just as refreshing. Both pair beautifully with coconut.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to keep it celiac-friendly.
• Dairy-Free: Skip any butter and just use olive oil for frying or baking the fish.

The Recipe: Coconut Crusted Fish with Mango Salsa

Ingredients

• 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi work great)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil for extra flavor)

For the Mango Salsa

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat oil in a skillet if pan-frying.
2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each fish fillet first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat generously with the coconut-breadcrumb mix.
5. For baking: place fillets on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle lightly with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
   For pan-frying: cook each fillet in hot oil for about 3–4 minutes per side, until crispy and cooked inside.
6. While the fish cooks, make the salsa: combine mango, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Toss well.
7. Serve the fish hot, topped with a generous spoonful of fresh mango salsa.

Practical & Valuable Tips

• If baking, flip the fish halfway through for even crispiness.
• Want it extra crunchy? Toast the coconut and breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before coating the fish.
• Mango salsa can be made a few hours ahead—just store it in the fridge. The flavors get even better with time.
• Pair this dish with coconut rice or a simple green salad for a full tropical-style meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fish? Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before breading to keep it crispy.
2. What if I don’t like mango? Pineapple, peaches, or even a tomato salsa can work as substitutes.
3. Can I air-fry the fish? Definitely! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store fish and salsa separately. The fish will reheat well in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This coconut crusted fish with mango salsa feels like sunshine on a plate—crispy, colorful, and full of flavor. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again whenever you crave something fresh and different. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime, and follow me for more simple recipes that bring joy to your table.