Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits

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Published: 19/02/2025


Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits Indulge in the heartwarming taste of the South with our Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe. This traditional dish combines succulent shrimp with creamy, buttery grits, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Start by preparing the grits, using stone-ground cornmeal for an authentic Southern touch. Cook them slowly in a mixture of milk and chicken broth until they reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Enhance the grits with a generous amount of butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic for an added depth of flavor. Next, focus on the shrimp. Use fresh, large shrimp, peeled and deveined for the best taste. Season them with a blend of Cajun spices to give your dish a little kick. Sauté the shrimp in a skillet with olive oil and add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to build a flavorful base. Cook the shrimp until they are pink and tender, ensuring not to overcook them to maintain their juicy texture. Once both components are ready, assemble the dish by placing a generous scoop of grits on a plate, followed by a heap of spicy shrimp on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for a pop of color and an extra layer of taste. Our Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits is perfect for a comforting dinner or a special occasion. Its rich flavors and creamy textures will surely transport you to the heart of Southern cuisine, making it a delightful meal for any seafood lover.
Serving size :4 people
Calories :550 kcal
Sugar :4.00 g
Fat :35.00 g
Carbohydrates :65.00 g
Protein :48.00 g
Cholesterol :60.00 g

Ingredients :

Instructions :

1Begin by preparing the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits, ensuring no lumps form.
3Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Cook the grits, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are thick and creamy.
4Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese into the grits until melted and smooth.
5Season the grits with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm and set aside.
6In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
7Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
8Add 1 diced red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
9Stir in 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute.
10Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, stirring to combine.
11Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
12Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
13Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
14Add 2 sliced green onions to the skillet and stir to combine.
15Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
16Serve the shrimp mixture over a bed of creamy grits.
17Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
18Enjoy your Shrimp and Grits while hot, savoring the rich and comforting flavors.

Notes :

  • - Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
  • - Stone-ground grits take longer to cook but offer a superior texture and flavor compared to instant grits.
  • - Stir the grits frequently while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
  • - Adjust the consistency of the grits with additional milk or water if they become too thick.
  • - Allow the cheese to melt completely into the grits for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • - Season both the grits and shrimp mixture adequately with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  • - Use fresh garlic for a robust flavor, but garlic powder can be a substitute if necessary.
  • - Red bell pepper adds a sweet, mild flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
  • - Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
  • - Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • - Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity in the dish.
  • - Green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
  • - Chopped fresh parsley provides a fresh, herbal note and brightens the presentation.
  • - Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its peak flavor and texture.

Tips :

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, or if using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
  • Stone-ground grits can take longer to cook than instant grits, so be patient and check for desired creaminess.
  • Stir the grits frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan or forming lumps.
  • Feel free to add more cheese to the grits if you prefer a cheesier flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your spice preference; you can increase or decrease the amount for more or less heat.
  • Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp for a good sear, which enhances flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. They should be pink and opaque when done.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the liquid to reduce a bit longer before adding the shrimp.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning of both the shrimp and grits before serving to ensure they are flavorful.
  • For added depth of flavor, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with seafood stock.
  • Lemon juice adds brightness to the dish; fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best taste.
  • Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh, herbal note that complements the flavors.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best, as grits can thicken as they cool.
  • For a variation, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.

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3.6 from 13 reviews

Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits

Servingsize: 4 people Calories: 550000 kcal Sugar: 4.00 g Fat: 35.00 g Carbohydrates: 65.00 g Protein: 48.00 g Cholesterol: 60.00 g

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Readers comments and reviews

Ella says: 15/03/2025 20:15
This is the best shrimp and grits I've ever made! The creamy grits paired perfectly with the flavorful shrimp. Can't wait to make it again!
Chloe says: 14/03/2025 20:25
Absolutely delicious! The flavors were spot on, and the shrimp were cooked to perfection. This recipe is a true Southern classic!
George says: 08/03/2025 18:55
This is the best shrimp and grits recipe I've ever tried! The spices were spot on and it reminded me of my grandmother's cooking.
Noah says: 05/03/2025 13:37
I can't believe how easy this was to make! The flavors came together beautifully. I'll definitely be making this again!
Oscar says: 25/02/2025 22:23
I won't be making this again; it just didn't hit the mark for me.
Ava says: 24/02/2025 10:47
Wow, a true Southern classic! The combination of the shrimp and the cheesy grits is out of this world. Highly recommend!
Samuel says: 23/02/2025 20:45
The flavors were bland and didn't come together well.
Carter says: 23/02/2025 19:18
The texture of the grits was off, and the shrimp were overcooked.
Scarlett says: 21/02/2025 04:35
Absolutely delicious! The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the grits were creamy and flavorful. This recipe is a true gem!
Luke says: 21/02/2025 03:12
I was really disappointed with this recipe; it didn't taste like authentic shrimp and grits.
Daniel says: 20/02/2025 17:05
I expected much more from a classic dish, but this fell flat.
Sophia says: 20/02/2025 15:13
The seasoning was lacking, making the whole dish unappetizing.
Aria says: 20/02/2025 14:29
This recipe exceeded my expectations! The sauce was rich and the shrimp had just the right kick. A must-try for any seafood lover!