If you’re craving a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that’s also surprisingly simple to make, this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy grits paired with perfectly seasoned shrimp create a beautiful balance between rich and spicy flavors. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic Southern favorite never fails to bring warmth and delight to the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each item is straightforward but essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, or color that come together to create that unforgettable taste.
- 2 cups water: The base liquid to cook the grits, giving them the perfect consistency.
- 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the grits for a silky texture.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: The star of the dish, providing a hearty, comforting foundation.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Melts into the grits to add smoothness and depth.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Infuses the grits with bold flavor and a luscious, melty finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the shrimp perfectly, keeping them juicy and flavorful.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The protein powerhouse that brings a fresh, briny touch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the shrimp a smoky flavor and beautiful reddish hue.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Introduces a gentle heat that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor component in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spiciness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Brightens the presentation and adds a hint of fresh herbal notes.
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. This combination ensures your grits turn out creamy without being too watery. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent lumps, then reduce the heat and let them simmer, stirring often for 20 to 25 minutes until they reach a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 2: Add Butter and Cheese
Once your grits are perfectly cooked, stir in the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until everything melts together into a rich, velvety mixture. Cover the grits and keep them warm so they’re ready when the shrimp are done.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Each of these ingredients amps up the flavor, creating a vibrant, well-seasoned coating that complements the creamy grits.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and develop a beautiful sear. This quick cooking method keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, locking in all those delicious seasonings.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits into bowls, top with the perfectly cooked shrimp and drizzle with any pan juices left in the skillet. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add brightness and a hint of texture. Fresh chopped parsley is classic, bringing a lovely herbal note and vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy grits and pink shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can also lift the flavors if you like a bit more zing.
Side Dishes
While this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe makes a fulfilling meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides can round it out wonderfully. Consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some steamed asparagus for a fresh, crunchy balance. Cornbread or crusty bread also complements the dish beautifully, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just have some fun with this dish, try serving the grits in small, individual ramekins topped with shrimp and garnishes, turning them into elegant starters. You can also layer the shrimp and grits in a shallow serving dish for a family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The grits can thicken as they cool, so adding a splash of milk when reheating brings them back to that creamy consistency. Shrimp keeps well but is best eaten within 2 days.
Freezing
While you can freeze grits alone, freezing shrimp tends to affect their texture. If you do freeze the grits, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Defrost slowly in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a touch of milk or water. For the best quality, freeze shrimp separately before cooking.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm grits over low heat, stirring frequently and adding milk or water as needed to bring back the creamy texture. The shrimp should be reheated quickly on the stove or in the microwave just until warmed to avoid rubberiness, making your Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe taste almost as fresh as when first made.
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 the texture and flavor won’t be quite as rich or hearty as with stone-ground grits. Stone-ground grits provide a rustic, creamy bite that’s truly worth the extra cooking time in the Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds warmth but not overwhelming heat. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the cayenne. For those who love spice, you can add more or top the finished dish with hot sauce to taste.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is our favorite for this recipe because it melts beautifully and has a bold, tangy flavor that balances the creamy grits. However, you could also experiment with white cheddar or even a bit of gouda for a different twist.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing in the seasoning and cooking. Properly cooked shrimp will still be tender and flavorful in your Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients in this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of serving a warm bowl of shrimp and grits that tastes both comforting and a little special. This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share it with the people you love — it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable one.
Print
Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern comfort food, Easy Shrimp and Grits combines creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits with spicy, sautéed shrimp for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
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 the water and milk to a gentle boil, preparing the base for creamy grits.
- Cook grits: Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking, for 20-25 minutes until thickened and tender.
- Add butter and cheese: Stir in the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Cover and keep warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Prepare 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 them with the flavorful seasoning.
- Cook shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp mixture. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are just cooked through.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy grits into bowls, top with the cooked shrimp and any remaining pan juices for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor, but quick or instant grits can be substituted with adjusted cook times.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the grits when adding butter and cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; grits tend to thicken as they cool.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad.
