Description
This Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe offers a creamy, cheesy base of stone-ground grits topped with tender, spiced shrimp sautéed with onions and garlic. A classic Southern comfort dish, it perfectly balances rich flavors and a hearty texture, making it an ideal meal for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Shrimp
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the grits: In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the grits are creamy and thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Cook the shrimp: While the grits are simmering, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto serving plates. Top generously with the sautéed shrimp mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best authentic texture and flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference for milder or spicier shrimp.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some chicken broth with half-and-half or heavy cream in the grits.
- Fresh parsley and green onions add color and fresh flavor as garnish, but are optional based on preference.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
