🌴🦐 Caribbean Shrimp and Grits
🛒 Ingredients (4 servings)
For the Grits 🍚🥥
1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits if in a hurry)
2 cups chicken broth 🍗
1 cup coconut milk 🥥
1 cup water 💧
2 tbsp butter 🧈
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese 🧀 (optional, for richness)
Salt & black pepper 🧂 to taste
For the Shrimp 🦐🌶️
500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade) 🌶️🌿
1 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil for island flavor)
1 tbsp butter 🧈
2 cloves garlic 🧄, minced
1 red bell pepper 🌶️, sliced
1 small onion 🧅, sliced
1 fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero chili 🌶️ (optional, very spicy!)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice 🍋
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro 🌱
For the Sweet-Spicy Sauce 🍯🔥
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar 🍯
1 tbsp soy sauce 🌸
1 tbsp pineapple juice 🍍
1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce 🌶️
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Grits 🥥🍚
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth, coconut milk, and water to a simmer.
Slowly whisk in grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook (stirring often) until creamy (about 20–25 minutes for stone-ground, 5–7 for quick grits).
Stir in butter, cheese (if using), salt & pepper. Keep warm.
2. Cook the Shrimp 🦐🔥
Pat shrimp dry and season with jerk seasoning.
Heat olive/coconut oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper; sauté until softened and fragrant.
Toss in shrimp and chili (if using). Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred.
Finish with lime juice and fresh herbs. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Sweet-Spicy Sauce 🍯🌶️
In a small pan, mix honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and chili flakes.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
4. Assemble 🌴✨
Spoon creamy coconut grits into bowls.
Top with jerk shrimp and sautéed peppers.
Drizzle sweet-spicy sauce over the top.
Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of jerk seasoning.
🌟 Tips & Variations
Add crispy fried plantains 🍌 on the side for a true Caribbean vibe.
Swap shrimp for scallops 🐚 or lobster 🦞 for a luxe twist.
For extra smokiness, grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion
Serve hot with a chilled rum punch 🍹 or ginger beer 🥤 for the ultimate island-soul food combo.