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
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
- 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.
