Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Shrimp and Grits is a Southern classic that’s both comforting and flavorful. This dish blends creamy, buttery grits with succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty spice mix, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special brunch, this recipe hits the mark every time. My love for Shrimp and Grits began on a rainy Sunday when I craved something warm and indulgent.

The combination of velvety grits and spicy shrimp felt like a cozy hug, and I knew it was a recipe I’d keep coming back to. The creamy grits and perfectly seasoned shrimp, with a hint of garlic and cayenne pepper, make this dish stand out.

Its popularity reflects its comforting nature and versatility. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both special and homey. I’d love to hear your variations and tips!

Why I Love This Recipe?

• Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make this, everyone loves it. It’s a guaranteed hit at family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Comforting & Hearty: There’s something about the creamy grits and juicy shrimp that makes this dish incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.
• Versatile & Adaptable: I love how you can tweak the seasoning to your liking. Whether you prefer it spicier or milder, this recipe is flexible.
• Quick & Easy: It comes together quickly, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You get a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Indulge in a comforting plate of Shrimp and Grits with creamy, cheesy grits and savory shrimp in a flavorful sauce. The grits, cooked to perfection, are topped with plump shrimp, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for a hearty dinner.

4.20 from 5 votes

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Course: Main Course

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Author: Austin Carter

Servings: 4 people

Equipment

• ▢
  Large Skillet For sautéing the vegetables and cooking the shrimp.
• ▢
  Pot with Lid To boil water and cook the grits.
• ▢
  Stirring Utensil For stirring and combining ingredients, especially when preparing the grits.
• ▢
  Measuring Utensils To accurately measure ingredients like salt, flour, and butter.
• ▢
  Cutting Board and Knife For chopping onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes.
• ▢
  Saucepan (optional) If making shrimp stock, a saucepan will be useful.

Ingredients

For the Grits

• ▢ 3/4 cup Grits
• ▢ 1/4 tbsp Salt
• ▢ 6 ounces Cheddar cheese grated

For the Shrimp:

• ▢ 4 tbsp Butter
• ▢ 3/4 tbsp Chopped Onion
• ▢ 1/2 cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes with a bit of their juice canned tomatoes work well
• ▢ 1/2 tbsp Dried Thyme
• ▢ 1 tbsp Flour
• ▢ 1 pound medium to large raw shrimp shelled (save shells for stock)
• ▢ 1/2 to 1 cup Shrimp Stock see note
• ▢ 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• ▢ 1/3 cup Heavy Cream
• ▢ 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• ▢ 2 Dashes Tabasco
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley

Instructions

Step 1 – Grits:

• Bring 3½ cups water to a boil, then stir in the grits.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until grits are tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat, add salt, cheese, and butter. Stir until melted. Keep warm.

Step 2 – Shrimp:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic until softened (about 3 minutes).
• Add tomatoes, thyme, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Sprinkle with flour, stir well. Add shrimp, stir until they turn pink (about 2 minutes).
• Add ½ cup stock, cook for 2-3 minutes. Add tomato paste, stir until blended.
• Add cream, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and more stock if needed for a spoonable sauce. Heat thoroughly, avoid boiling. Taste for salt.

Step 3:

• Place a portion of grits in the center of each plate.
• Spoon shrimp over or around the grits.
• Sprinkle with parsley.

Notes

Tip:

To make shrimp stock, boil shrimp shells in 2 cups of water until the liquid is reduced by half. Strain.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Shrimp and Grits!

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