Description
A classic Southern comfort food recipe featuring creamy stone-ground grits topped with spicy, sautéed shrimp. This easy shrimp and grits dish is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Finish the grits: Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked grits. Mix until melted and smooth. Cover the saucepan and keep warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ensuring all shrimp are well coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.
- Assemble the dish: Spoon the creamy grits into serving bowls. Top each with the cooked shrimp and drizzle with any pan juices from the skillet. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Stone-ground grits provide a heartier texture and more flavor than instant grits; avoid substituting for best results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste preference.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute milk with half-and-half or heavy cream in the grits.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the grits and juicy shrimp.
