Coconut Shrimp and Grits are made with coconut water to give a tropical spin on this Southern favorite in the best possible way
Disclosure: By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Vita Coco and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
I'm not a huge fan of tropical recipes. I didn't grow up eating many dishes with pineapple or coconut, so I tend to look over those when searching for new recipes to try and/or create.
But I am participating in a recipe challenge for Vita Coco. Vita Coco makes coconut water beverages. This caused me to step out of my I'm-not-a-huge-fan-of-tropical-recipes-and-I-don't-know-why-because-they-are-awesome bubble.
In all honesty, I didn't really love coconut water the first time I tried it. But after spending a week in Hawaii, I learned to really like it! I think it's a taste that grows on you.
Vita Coco coconut water is full of electrolytes & nutrients {like potassium, magnesium, calcium} and is low in calories {45 calories per 8 ounce serving}. It's definitely different than coconut milk and has a less coconut-y flavor, which I personally prefer.
I think the Vita Coco coconut water tastes a lot like real coconut water, and I know what real coconut water tastes like...
But the best part about this challenge is that I learned that coconut water is a great {I mean great!} addition to liven up recipes.
For example, Shrimp and Grits is one of my favorite meals. It can be breakfast or dinner, and I love that about it.
But when I decided to use coconut water in Shrimp & Grits, I prepared myself for a kitchen disaster. And a potential waste of some of my favorite ingredients.
Luckily {!!!}, it turned out delicious. It actually far exceeded my expectations.
These grits... y'all... I have been thinking all day about how to describe them. They're not necessarily sweet but there's a slight hint of sweetness that works beautifully with the shrimp.
You seriously don't know what you're missing out on if you aren't making these Coconut Shrimp and Grits.
I know some of you are shaking your heads, convinced that this is not the recipe for you, but it is. If you have taste buds, this recipe is for you.
Don't get me wrong; shrimp & grits is the best. But these Coconut Shrimp & Grits... woah! Just woah!
[Tweet "Coconut Shrimp and Grits made w/ @vitacoco coconut water for a tropical spin on a Southern fave!"]
The good thing about this dish is that the coconut flavor can be as prominent or behind the scenes as you want. I went for in between.
You use the coconut water to cook the grits, and you can sprinkle some coconut flakes on top if you want. I was planning on doing that but was so wrapped up in how stinkin' good these grits were that I just plain forgot.
I know they sound strange, but they are quite possibly my new favorite way to eat grits.
One thing: please please promise me that you won't use those nasty instant grits!! Buy the good stuff {stone ground grits}. They're much tastier and healthier because they're usually whole grain as opposed to the instant {which are not}.
As for the shrimp & veggies, I used coconut oil for cooking. This is totally optional, and I'm not even sure there'd be a difference if you used butter or canola oil in its place.
Most shrimp & grits sauces are made with chicken broth, shrimp stock, and/or wine. I opted for none of the above and used coconut water, and... it worked! It worked oh so very nicely!
So, seriously, what are you waiting for?! I can't tell you enough how much you should try this if you're looking for a little excitement in your meals.
Even if you aren't a coconut fan, you really will enjoy this recipe.
It's not complicated - You'll need a pot for the grits and a skillet for the shrimp. It took me about 45 minutes total from start to finish.
To make this go smoothly: get the coconut water in a pot and heat it to boil. While it's heating, chop your veggies. Add the grits to the boiling coconut water. Sauté the veggies while the grits are cooking {be sure to stir every few minutes, so they don't stick}. Then cook the shrimp. Add the coconut water to the shrimp & veggies to make the sauce. Then about the same time that your grits are ready, take the shrimp off the heat and add the butter. Voila! Dinner is served. And whoever you chose to eat this recipe with... well, they are lucky ducks!
Coconut Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
- 5 cups unflavored coconut water divided
- 1 cup stone ground grits white or yellow, not instant
- 7 tsp butter divided
- 1 1/2 tsp salt divided
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg optional
- 1/2 tsp white pepper or black pepper
- 1 tsp coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 3/4 tsp cumin divided
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lb shrimp raw, peeled
- 2-3 TBSP lemon juice
- cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 1/4 cups coconut water to a rolling boil over medium/medium-high heat. Add grits and stir well. Stir in 1 TBSP butter, 1 tsp salt, nutmeg, and white pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer. Stir occasionally, so grits don't stick to the saucepan. {This will take about 25-35 minutes.}
- Meanwhile, heat coconut oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add bell peppers and onions. Saute until veggies have softened, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp cumin, coriander, and garlic. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Push veggies to the outside of skillet. Turn heat up to medium-high, and add shrimp in a single layer {don't crowd the pan. You can do these in batches, if needed}. Sprinkle shrimp & veggies with remaining 1/4 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook until opaque and pink on both sides {about 2 minutes per side}.
- Stir remaining 3/4 cups coconut water into the shrimp & veggie mixture. Make sure to scrape up any bits that have formed on the bottom of the skillet.
- Simmer for about 3-4 minutes until liquid has reduced by half. Stir in 2 TBSP lemon juice. Taste and add more lemon juice, salt, or coconut water if needed.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon butter.
- Serve shrimp & veggie sauce over coconut grits. Sprinkle with cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
Meme
P.S. If you are in New Orleans, Walmart, Rouse's, and sometimes Langenstein's has Vita Coco coconut water.
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Deanna Segrave-Daly says
I always kid that I'm a Southern Wannabe for many reasons but is one of them and I absolutely adore shrimp & grits. Plus I am a coconut fan so coconut grits sound heavenly to me! I, too, have been surprised at all the fantastic ways you can incorporate coconut water into recipes for a subtle, not over the top hit of coconut flavor. Thanks for sharing!
memeinge says
You will love these if you like coconut water. I was so skeptical; I almost quit before I even put the grits in the boiling coconut water. I didn't want to waste any of my precious grits 🙂
I was so excited when it turned out not just good but reaallly good!
Jenna @ Fresh Food Perspectives says
This looks delish and easy!! Great idea.
memeinge says
Thanks so much Jenna!
Susan @ Wish Upon A Dish says
Congratulations!!!
I LOVE grits and usually make them creamy, but using the coconut water is a great flavor addition without all the cream.
Never even thought to use it, but I am making a grit soufflé for dinner and I have just enough water left.
Thanks for posting this.