Caribbean Jerk Shrimp and Coconut Grits Recipe
Bring the flavors of the islands to your dinner table with this Caribbean Jerk Shrimp and Coconut Grits recipe! Creamy coconut grits meet spicy, tender jerk-seasoned shrimp, finished with a sweet-spicy tropical sauce. Perfect for a Caribbean dinner, shrimp recipe, or Southern-inspired comfort meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Coconut Grits
1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
2 tbsp butter
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Jerk Shrimp
500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero chili (optional, extra heat)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro
For the Sweet-Spicy Tropical Sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp pineapple juice
1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Creamy Coconut Grits
1. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth, coconut milk, and water to a gentle simmer.
2. Slowly whisk in grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until creamy: 20–25 min for stone-ground, 5–7 min for quick grits.
4. Stir in butter, optional cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
2. Cook the Caribbean Jerk Shrimp
1. Pat shrimp dry and toss with jerk seasoning.
2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell pepper until fragrant and softened.
4. Add shrimp and chili (if using), cooking 2–3 min per side until pink and lightly charred.
5. Finish with lime juice and fresh herbs. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Sweet-Spicy Tropical Sauce
1. In a small pan, combine honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and chili flakes.
2. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
4. Assemble Your Caribbean Shrimp and Grits
1. Spoon creamy coconut grits into serving bowls.
2. Top with jerk shrimp and sautéed peppers.
3. Drizzle with sweet-spicy sauce.
4. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a pinch of jerk seasoning.
Tips & Variations:
Serve with crispy fried plantains for a true Caribbean experience.
Substitute shrimp with scallops or lobster for a luxurious twist.
Grill shrimp for added smoky flavor instead of pan-searing.
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