If you are craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is just what you need. Combining creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned, tender shrimp, it’s a delightful Southern classic that’s both approachable and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends at brunch, this recipe will win hearts with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in creating the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. With just a few simple pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you’ll have everything to craft a delicious meal that sings with taste and texture.
- 2 cups water: Provides the base liquid for cooking the grits to creamy perfection without overwhelming their flavor.
- 2 cups milk: Adds richness and smoothness, making the grits luxuriously creamy.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: The star grain of the dish, giving a hearty texture and classic Southern flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enhances the grits with a buttery richness that melts beautifully into the mix.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy, sharp undertone that makes the grits wonderfully cheesy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect neutral oil to lightly coat and flavor the shrimp without overpowering them.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, juicy shrimp bring a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the creamy grits.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the shrimp with warm, aromatic flavor, elevating every bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color to the shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Introduces a subtle spicy kick to keep the dish exciting.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors to life and balances the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery heat complementing the cayenne.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Start by bringing the water and milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid any clumps. Then reduce the heat and simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 20 to 25 minutes until the grits are tender and creamy. This slow cooking develops that beautiful smooth texture you expect from a classic shrimp and grits dish.
Step 2: Enrich the Grits
Once the grits are perfectly cooked, stir in the butter and sharp cheddar cheese. The butter brings a silky richness, while the cheese melts in to give a sharp, creamy taste that’s absolutely irresistible. Cover the pot to keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This spice mixture flavors the shrimp beautifully, balancing smoky, spicy, and savory notes.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a lovely pink hue. This quick cooking keeps them juicy and tender, the perfect partner for the creamy grits.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
To serve, spoon generous portions of the cheesy grits into bowls and top with the hot shrimp. Don’t forget to drizzle over the flavorful pan juices from the shrimp—they’re packed with seasoning and add an extra layer of deliciousness. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a pop of green to the dish, making it look as vibrant as it tastes. For an extra touch, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors or a sprinkle of green onions to introduce a mild onion crunch.
Side Dishes
This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed greens. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed okra complement the Southern vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the shrimp on a platter atop the grits in shallow bowls, letting guests scoop their preferred amount. Alternatively, try layering shrimp and grits in individual glass jars or ramekins for a charming, rustic presentation that is sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the best texture for both components and keeps the shrimp from absorbing too much moisture.
Freezing
While shrimp freezes well, creamy grits can become grainy after freezing. If you want to freeze leftovers, keep the shrimp and grits separate and freeze the shrimp in a vacuum-sealed bag or freezer container. It’s best to enjoy the grits fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the grits on the stovetop over low heat with a little splash of milk or water to restore creaminess. Reheat shrimp quickly in a hot pan or microwave just until warmed through to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, you can substitute quick-cooking grits if you’re short on time, but stone-ground grits offer a superior, hearty texture and nuttier flavor that really elevates the dish.
What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large shrimp are ideal because they cook quickly and stay juicy. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best eating experience.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild spicy kick from the cayenne and paprika, but you can easily reduce or increase the cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter alternatives and substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether for a lighter version.
Can I add vegetables to this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be stirred into the grits or served on top with the shrimp for added flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s deceptively simple yet bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even share the secret with your best friends. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s a beloved favorite that feels like home on a plate.
Print
Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern comfort dish, Easy Shrimp and Grits combines creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits with perfectly seasoned and sautéed shrimp. This quick and satisfying meal is perfect for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner and takes only 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
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
- Boil liquids: In a medium saucepan, bring water and milk to a gentle boil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the grits.
- Cook grits: Slowly whisk in stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let the grits simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Add butter and cheese: Stir in butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Cover the pot and keep the grits warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Season shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat and infuse flavor.
- Cook shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the seasoned shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Retain pan juices for serving.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the creamy grits into bowls, top with the sautéed shrimp and pan juices, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor; instant grits will cook faster but are less creamy.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- For a richer dish, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for the best eating experience.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the grits and the juicy shrimp.
