Who doesn’t love the Hawaiian Islands? I mean, what’s not to love? Gorgeous beaches? Check. Beautiful sunsets? Check. Long, lazy days with nothing more to do than lay in the sun and order fruity cocktails with umbrellas in them? Check.
![]() |
Photo by Tad Craig Photography |
It also happens to be a pretty fantastic place to get married, especially if you’re marrying him. (Oh, I know…sappy, but so true.)
![]() |
Photo by Tad Craig Photography |
If there is one thing that always reminds me of Hawaii, it’s the smell of suntan lotion. One sniff and I’m instantly transported. Suddenly, I’m being mesmerized by the waves crashing on the shore. I’m feeling the sun on my face and under my feet on the sand. I’m watching Andy body surf with a look of such pure bliss on his face that I’m able to see in him the little boy that I’ve seen in pictures. I’m sitting in a lounge with a view of the ocean and a breeze in my hair, listening to the relaxed melodies of the ukulele. Not a bad place for the mind to go…
And that’s exactly where it went when I opened the jar of coconut oil that I recently received from Tropical Traditions. I felt like running to the computer and buying two one-way tickets on the next flight to Maui. But reality reared its ugly head, and my plans were dashed by thoughts of mortgages and other responsibilities. If only…
So, I did the next best thing…if we can’t go to Hawaii, I can bring the taste of Hawaii to us. I started brainstorming dishes to make using coconut oil, which would be inspired by all the lovely, tropical flavors of the islands.
When I think Hawaiian food, I think of all the local delights like shave ice, scoops of macaroni salad, spam, and loco mocos. But I also think of macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, fresh ahi poke, tender kalua pork and Kahuku shrimp dripping in garlic butter from Giovanni’s shrimp truck. I could live on this food…
With these dishes and the smell of coconut oil in mind, I went into the kitchen to create a new version of shrimp cakes for Andy. I haven’t made them for a long time, and he requests them frequently…they are one of his favorite appetizers. I wanted this version to have an unmistakable Hawaiian spin with mango, papaya, coconut, and of course, if I’m making anything for Andy, it has to have spice.
Shrimp & Crab Cakes with Mango-Papaya Salsa and Spicy Coconut Milk Sauce
Makes 10
Shrimp Cakes:
1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 ounces crab meat
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs, divided use
juice of half a lime
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
coconut oil, for frying
Salsa:
1 cup diced mango
1 cup diced papaya
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon chopped serrano pepper (optional for more spice)
pinch of salt, to taste
Coconut Milk Sauce:
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 1/2 cups light coconut milk
1 ounce light rum
1/2 - 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (chili sauce)
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
To make the shrimp cakes, roughly chop the shrimp, then transfer to a food processor. Add the crab, egg, cilantro, 1/4 cup panko, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is completely combined, but still has texture. (Do not puree.)
In a shallow dish, combine remaining 1 cup of panko with coconut flakes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop out scant 1/4 cups of the mixture and form into patties, about 2 1/2 inches across, then dredge in panko-coconut mixture, pressing firmly so it adheres. Place breaded crab cakes on baking sheet and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours).
Meanwhile, combine all the salsa ingredients and chill until needed.
Just prior to frying the shrimp cakes, make the coconut milk sauce. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add coconut milk, rum, Sriracha, ginger and garlic. Whisk to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce until thickened, about 10 minutes. Reserve on stove.
When ready to serve, heat 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil in a large pan over high heat. When the pan is very hot, add the shrimp cakes (do this in several batches, adding more oil as needed). Fry the shrimp cakes about 2 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Serve shrimp cakes with sauce and salsa.
If the speed in which Andy consumed these is any indication, these shrimp cakes are a winner. The fruit salsa mellows out the spicy coconut sauce perfectly, and the cakes are crisp outside but moist inside. You taste coconut throughout, but it doesn’t smack you in the face…it provides the perfect background flavors for this Hawaiian-inspired treat.
Does all this talk of Hawaii and coconut oil have you itching to try some island dishes yourself? You’re in luck…the kind folks at Tropical Traditions want to give you a 32 ounce jar of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! (Must have a US or Canada shipping address.) Giveaway will be open until Sunday, August 28 at 10:00pm PST.
To enter (leave a separate comment for each; up to four entries per person):
1. Leave a comment below
4. Tweet this giveaway
Aloha!
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
Aww your post is making me homesick for Hawaii! THis is a great dish! I love the coconut sauce you have the shrimp and crab cakes sitting on- I want to lick that off the plate!
ReplyDeleteI've never actually been to Hawaii. Maybe someday! Don't count me in for the giveaway, as I will be doing one of my own very soon! ;)
ReplyDeleteWOW! Those look so fresh and delicious. The photos are amazing. I would LOVE to win the coconut oil as it gives such a great additional layer of flavor to dishes.
ReplyDeleteHawaii totally smells like suntan lotion! Haha I love it. This dish looks so good! I love the pictures and the recipe is making my mouth water
ReplyDeleteThis looks fantastic! I have a coconut-scented shampoo that always reminds me of vacation!
ReplyDeleteThose are so gorgeous and I am such a sucker for a good crab (and in this case, shrimp) cake! I will have 10 please! :)
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Hawaii, but I would love to go someday. I would have to bring a vat of sunscreen, I burn so easily! These look so delicious, I would love to try them!!
ReplyDeleteMango-Papaya Salsa and Spicy Coconut Milk Sauce. Awesomeness for ALL of the above. That sounds so yummy! Awesome and generous giveaway too :) Tweeted and Buzzed!
ReplyDeleteThese seafood cakes look tasty and I like the tropical flair of the salsa and the coconut milk sauce. Delicious post- Buzzed
ReplyDeleteThese look delicious!! Your photos are amazing, the colors are nice and bright. Yum!!
ReplyDeleteYour photographs have my mouth watering! I am saving this recipe, it looks and sounds absolutely wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYum! I have never been to Hawaii, but I am sure this would make me feel like I have! Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteCount me in as one who hasn't been to Hawaii either, but I'm willing to let these stand in for a visit (for a while). They're gorgeous and look delicious.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted the giveaway (@rachelkyle0402)
ReplyDeleteI like Tropical Traditions on FB
ReplyDeleteI am following Tropical Traditions on Twitter @rachelkyle0402
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Hawaii... maybe someday. Love the crab cakes.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are amazing! I'm a photography blogger and currently in love with food photography and I was so excited to see these images of the yummy crab cakes. Great captures.
ReplyDeleteLook delish. The colors are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI follow @TropTraditions on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI like Tropical Traditions on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/ Cinbat03
Have never cooked with coconut oil. i would love to try it!
ReplyDeleteglendasembree@gmail.com
Follow Coconut traditions on Twitter.
ReplyDelete@busyathome
glendasembree@gmail.com
Like them on Facebook
ReplyDeleteGlenda Embree
glendasembree@gmail.com
Tweeted the giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/busyathome/status/106040228380282882
glendasembree@gmail.com
I absolutely love coconut oil. It is a great addition to gluten free desserts made with coconut flour too.
ReplyDeletemrs.n.zanatta at gmail dot com
following Tropical traditions on twitter (@hippie_mom)
ReplyDeletemrs.n.zanatta at gmail dot com
following Tropical Traditions on FB
ReplyDeletemrs.n.zanatta at gmail dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/hippie_mom/status/106048104884744194
ReplyDeleteThose pictures look SO yummy! I've never tried this recipe...but, looks like I should!
ReplyDeleteKathy
counting2ten at gmail dot com
following YOU and tropical traditions
ReplyDeletecounting2ten at gmail dot com
Tweeted out giveaway
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/TastyTrials/status/106027053383553024
counting2ten at gmail dot com
These look terrific... I just love the whole thing, including the salsa!
ReplyDeleteI am wondering... does this need to be fresh crab, can I get away with the canned stuff???
I absolutely LOVE your wedding photos up there... so gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI also would love to stuff my face with those crab cakes. :)
I love coconut oil! I use it all the time, especially since my little boy has a dairy allergy and I don't really like olive oil that much. :)
ReplyDeleteThose are awesome looking shrimp cakes. Off to the seafood market... Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty shrimp & crab cake with all the beautiful colors!!! Then your gorgeous wedding pictures! I've been to Hawaii once, and I also wish to go back again with kids one day... :-)
ReplyDeletebeautiful post...great recipe...would love to try that coconut oil!!!
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/#!/RebeccaEParsons/status/106715662348591104
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and recipe Karen! Arg! I always feel like I am "behind" on the comments! I can smell the tropics from here!
ReplyDeleteWe were lucky enough to have Karen make the shrimp & crab cakes for us. They are coco-licious!
ReplyDeleteMom & Dad
I love coconut oil. Everyday I learn a new way to use it.
ReplyDeletesjam916 at gmail dot com
I follow troptrad on twitter - txmammy
ReplyDeletesjam916 at gmail dot com
I like troptraditions on fb - Sam Marshall
ReplyDeletesjam916 at gmail dot com
Lovely! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletelovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com
It looks so great, I'm going to recreate it this week
ReplyDeletegalyettina at yahoo dot com
“Like” Tropical Traditions on Facebook (gala ya)
ReplyDeletegalyettina at yahoo dot com
You were married in Hawaii? Beautiful!!
ReplyDeletePretty crabcakes! Married in Hawaii?!?! Lucky!
ReplyDeletenice shoud thans for sharing its recipe
ReplyDeleteGreat web site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your effort! 야설
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my web site;
야설
Very good information. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident I have book marked it for later!
ReplyDelete일본야동
Also visit my web site 일본야동
This blog is very informative the stuff you provide I really enjoyed reading 국산야동
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my web site 국산야동
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. 일본야동
ReplyDeleteAlso visit my web site 일본야동
I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates.
ReplyDelete야설
Also visit my web site 야설
Can I just say what a comfort to find someone who really knows what they’re discussing online.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
More and more people need to look at this and understand this side of the
story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular because you most certainly possess the
gift.Click Me Here사설경마
6YAGKIE
Reading this info So i am glad to convey that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. See more about sportstoto:
ReplyDelete토토
바카라사이트
파워볼
카지노사이트
These are genuinely fantastic ideas in concerning blogging.
ReplyDeleteYou have touched some fastidious points here. Any way keep up writing.
사설토토
카지노
파워볼사이트
바카라사이트
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you really recognize what you are talking approximately! I will Bookmark this for sure.
ReplyDelete토토
스포츠토토
토토사이트
먹튀검증
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. 먹튀검증 I am writing on this topic, so I think it will help a lot. I leave my blog address below. Please visit once.!
ReplyDeleteI am the one who writes on a topic similar to yours. I hope you come to my blog and take a look at the posts I've been writing. 안전놀이터추천
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if you're looking for a writer for your site. You have some really good posts and I think I would be a good asset.
ReplyDelete야동
휴게텔
마사지블루
안마
Appreciate it for helping out, excellent info. 스포츠토토
ReplyDeleteHi there, I enjoy reading all of your article. 온라인경마
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing great blog article.Thanks Again 파친코사이트
ReplyDeleteI always think about what is. It seems to be a perfect article that seems to blow away such worries. 온카지노 seems to be the best way to show something. When you have time, please write an article about what means!!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the article, I have a lot of spray lining knowledge but always learn something new. Keep up the good work and thank you again. 먹튀사이트
ReplyDeleteI am contemplating this topic. I think you can solve my problems. My site is at " 온라인카지노 ". I hope you can help me.
ReplyDeleteI am actually happy to read this website posts which contains plenty of helpful information, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics. 바카라사이트
ReplyDeleteFairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing! 카지노사이트
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future. 토토사이트추천
ReplyDeleteReally a nice article. Thank you so much for your efforts. Definitely, it will be helpful for others. 사설토토
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for your article. Really looking forward to read more. 파워볼게임
ReplyDeleteWhat a post I've been looking for! I'm very happy to finally read this post. 토토사이트 Thank you very much. Can I refer to your post on my website? Your post touched me a lot and helped me a lot. If you have any questions, please visit my site and read what kind of posts I am posting. I am sure it will be interesting.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thank you for your post. 바카라사이트 Your posts are neatly organized with the information I want, so there are plenty of resources to reference. I bookmark this site and will find your posts frequently in the future. Thanks again ^^
ReplyDeleteYes i am completely concurred with this article and i simply need say this article is extremely decent and exceptionally useful article.I will make a point to be perusing your blog more. You made a decent point yet I can"t resist the urge to ponder, shouldn"t something be said about the other side? 먹튀검증업체 .
ReplyDeleteYou made some good points there. I did a Google search about the topic and found most people will believe your blog. 먹튀검증
ReplyDeleteTraditional bookstores have always existed on high streets, but in the digital age, the internet is proving to become a serious competitor to traditional brick and mortar stores. This article examines both sides of the coin and provides an appropriate insight into the phenomenon of shopping of books online. 메이저사이트추천
ReplyDeleteGrace will speak for you.
ReplyDeletecomprare patente di Guida
comprar carta de conducao
420Buds
슬롯커뮤니티
ReplyDelete