Description
Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits is a comforting classic dish featuring creamy stone-ground grits cooked in flavorful chicken broth, topped with sautéed shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne. This hearty, cheesy meal delivers a perfect balance of savory spices and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal quick dinner for four.
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
- Spices: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Grits: In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the grits are creamy and tender. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink, opaque, and are cooked through.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy cheesy grits onto plates. Top generously with the sautéed shrimp mixture and garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the creamiest texture; quick or instant grits will alter the consistency.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream to the grits after cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and tender shrimp at their best.
- Leftover shrimp can be stored separately and reheated gently to avoid overcooking.
