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
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 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.
