Description
Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits is a classic comfort dish featuring creamy stone-ground grits cooked in flavorful chicken broth, topped with perfectly sautéed shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne. This quick and hearty meal delivers a delightful blend of textures and Southern flavors, garnished with fresh green onions and parsley for a vibrant finish.
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
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
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 prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are creamy and tender. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Sauté the Shrimp: While grits are cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto serving plates and top generously with the sautéed shrimp mixture. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to suit your spice preference.
- For dairy-free version, substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Make sure shrimp are fresh and peeled/deveined for best results.
- Stir grits frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and lumps.
