If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make, this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is an absolute winner. It perfectly balances creamy, cheesy grits with tender, flavorful shrimp that have just the right hint of spice. This Southern classic has all the warmth of home-cooked goodness and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe hits all the right notes and brings a little bit of coastal charm right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential and plays a unique role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy grits that are the heart of the dish to the bright, savory shrimp that add a punch of flavor, every element comes together seamlessly.
- 2 cups water: The base liquid to cook the grits and keep them creamy without overpowering flavor.
- 2 cups milk: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the grits.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: The key ingredient providing that perfect coarse texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a luscious creaminess and depth to the grits.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the grits for a tangy, gooey finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps infuse the shrimp with flavor and prevents sticking.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and quick-cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of aromatic, savory flavor for the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings just the right amount of heat to brighten the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of earthiness and mild spice.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Freshens the dish with a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grits
Start by combining water and milk in a medium saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil. This combination makes the grits extra creamy without being too heavy. When it’s boiling, slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Then reduce the heat to low and let them simmer while stirring often. This slow cooking allows the grits to soften fully and develop their naturally earthy flavor, which forms the perfect creamy base for your shrimp.
Step 2: Add Butter and Cheese to the Grits
Once the grits have thickened and become tender after about 20-25 minutes, stir in the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This step transforms the grits into a velvety, slightly tangy side that complements the shrimp perfectly. Keep the pot covered and warm to maintain that irresistible creamy texture until you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
While the grits cook, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is simple but packs a lot of flavor, coating the shrimp with a delicious spice blend that will give you just a hint of heat and smokiness without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side. You know they’re done when they turn opaque and have a slight golden sear. Cooking shrimp quickly preserves their tender, juicy texture and enhances the spices in the marinade, giving you a rich, irresistible topping for your grits.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Spoon the warm, cheesy grits into bowls and top generously with the cooked shrimp and any pan juices that have collected—they’re packed with flavor and add extra moisture. Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the entire dish.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is classic, but you can also experiment with finely sliced green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice to add an extra pop of brightness. These simple toppings elevate the dish visually and enhance the seafood flavors with freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad or lightly sautéed greens like spinach or kale make excellent partners. Their slightly bitter notes offer a great contrast to the rich, creamy grits and savory shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp and grits in small ramekins or as individual portions on toasted baguette slices for a flavorful appetizer. You could also layer the grits in a shallow bowl and arrange the shrimp in a pretty spiral on top, drizzling pan juices over everything like a cozy, edible work of art.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grits might thicken upon cooling, so they’ll need a bit of reheating with some added milk or water to regain their creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp and grits separately in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Shrimp freeze well, but to avoid rubbery texture, reheat gently and quickly. The grits are best reheated slowly with a splash of liquid to bring them back to smooth perfection.
Reheating
Gently reheat the grits over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently and adding milk or water as needed. Warm the shrimp in a skillet just until heated through to keep them tender. Combining them shortly before serving ensures the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits for this recipe?
Quick-cooking grits can be used if you’re short on time, but stone-ground grits deliver a superior texture and flavor, which really makes this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe shine.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
Yes, peeling and deveining the shrimp improves the dish’s texture and taste. It also makes eating more enjoyable without any gritty surprises.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk and substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative. There are also dairy-free cheese options that melt well.
How spicy is the cayenne in this recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds just a gentle heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the shrimp. You can reduce or omit it depending on your spice preference.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the shrimp?
Reheat shrimp gently in a warm skillet with a splash of water or broth, turning them quickly to avoid overcooking. Microwave reheating can make shrimp rubbery, so stovetop is preferred.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe enough — it’s a fantastic blend of comfort food and elegance, perfect for impressing family and friends or simply treating yourself. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic, full of soulful flavor and effortless style. Give it a go and enjoy a little taste of Southern hospitality right in your own kitchen.
Print
Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Shrimp and Grits recipe brings a classic Southern comfort food to your table in just 30 minutes. Creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits are paired perfectly with spicy, garlic-infused sautéed shrimp for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the 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
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Boil Liquids: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a gentle boil, preparing the liquid base for the grits.
- Cook Grits: Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to prevent lumps, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, then cover and keep warm.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss 1 pound large shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to evenly coat the shrimp with flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and are cooked through.
- Serve: Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with cooked shrimp and any pan juices from the skillet, then garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best creamy texture; quick grits can be substituted but the cooking time will be shorter.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the grits along with the milk.
- Ensure shrimp is peeled and deveined for ease of eating and better texture.
- Grits can be kept warm on very low heat but stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
