Shrimp and Grits Recipe | Creamy, Savory Southern Delight

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comfort, and Southern charm, then this Shrimp and Grits recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of perfectly seasoned shrimp served over creamy, buttery grits. With a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of love, this dish comes together in no time and is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, shrimp and grits are sure to be a hit with your family.

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Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Grits Recipe

What makes this Shrimp and Grits recipe so irresistible? Well, for starters, the shrimp are perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy, tender perfection. The grits? Oh, they’re rich, creamy, and buttery—nothing like the bland, grainy kind you might have had before. The marriage of these two elements creates a harmonious dish that’s both decadent and satisfying.

This recipe is also easy to make and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want something delicious. And because it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made with light ingredients (like lean shrimp and reduced-fat butter), you can enjoy it without any guilt. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adjusting the level of spice or adding in other toppings like crispy bacon or fresh herbs.

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouth-watering shrimp and grits:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick-cooking grits, if you’re short on time)
• 4 cups water or chicken broth (for more flavor)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional but adds creaminess)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ons/Substitutes:

• If you like a little more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp.
• For a richer flavor, you can substitute heavy cream for some of the butter in the grits or use whole milk.
• Feel free to top the dish with crispy bacon bits for an extra smoky crunch!

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How To Make Shrimp and Grits

Let’s break down how to make this Southern favorite step by step:

1. Cook the Grits:
   Start by bringing the water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let the grits cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes if using stone-ground grits, or 5 minutes for quick-cooking grits. Once they’re soft and creamy, stir in the butter and cheese (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Season the Shrimp:
   In a bowl, combine the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly!
4. Assemble the Dish:
   To serve, spoon a generous portion of creamy grits onto each plate. Top with the cooked shrimp, spooning some of the flavorful garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the shrimp and grits. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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Pro Tips

• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so make sure you don’t overdo it. They’re done when they’re pink and opaque. As soon as they’re ready, remove them from the heat.
• Creamy Grits: For extra creamy grits, use a mixture of milk and chicken broth for cooking, and stir in cheese and butter at the end. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a rich, velvety texture.
• Add More Flavor: You can elevate this dish by adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to the shrimp while cooking. It adds a nice tangy balance to the richness of the grits.

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How To Serve

Shrimp and grits are best served hot, straight from the skillet. For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle a bit more melted butter over the top of the shrimp and grits just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, top the dish with some crispy bacon bits or a handful of chopped green onions. This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some sautéed greens, like spinach or collard greens, to add a little brightness.

For a fun, casual presentation, you can serve the shrimp and grits family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. You can also top each individual serving with a bit of hot sauce or extra lemon wedges for those who like it spicy.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of shrimp and grits (without optional add-ons):

• Calories: 450-500 (depending on the amount of cheese and butter used)
• Protein: 30-35g (thanks to the shrimp)
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g (from the grits)
• Fat: 20-25g (from butter and olive oil)

For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter or use low-fat cheese in the grits. You can also swap the butter in the shrimp for olive oil to cut back on fat.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

While shrimp and grits are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can still be delicious if stored and reheated properly.

• Storage: Let the shrimp and grits cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the grits in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen them up. For the shrimp, it’s best to heat them in a skillet on low heat to avoid overcooking. You can add a little extra butter to keep them moist.

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Conclusion

This Shrimp and Grits recipe is everything you want in a Southern classic—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that’s comforting enough for a cozy family dinner but also elegant enough to serve for special occasions. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, shrimp and grits are always a crowd-pleaser.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you’re craving more Southern-inspired dishes or quick and easy meals, be sure to check out some of my other recipes. Enjoy!