Description
Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits is a classic comforting dish featuring creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits topped with flavorful sautéed shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Southern staple is perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner, combining rich textures and bold spices in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Shrimp
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the grits: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits become creamy and tender.
- Finish the grits: Once the grits have thickened, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated for a rich, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Sauté the shrimp: While the grits are simmering, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto plates, top with the sautéed shrimp mixture, and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for authentic texture and flavor; quick or instant grits will alter the dish’s consistency.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
- For extra richness, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with milk or cream when cooking the grits.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or smoked sausage slices can be added for variation.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
