Classic Shrimp and Grits

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're craving a dish that's comfort food at its finest, look no further than Classic Shrimp and Grits. This Southern classic combines creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp, making it a delightful meal any time of the year.

Ingredients for Classic Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp are the star of the show here. They're juicy and take on flavors beautifully. Make sure they're peeled and deveined for easy eating. Stone-ground grits provide that authentic Southern texture. They take a bit longer to cook, but the result is worth it. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the grits. Butter and olive oil give richness and help the shrimp cook perfectly. Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika are your go-to seasonings to bring out the flavors. Garlic offers a fragrant base for cooking the shrimp, while green onions provide a fresh, zesty garnish. Finally, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up at the end.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your grits get too thick, just stir in a little extra water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the water when cooking grits.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp, or they'll become rubbery. They should be just pink and opaque when done.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed greens like collard or kale. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness of the shrimp and grits perfectly. For a Southern touch, serve with a glass of sweet iced tea or a crisp white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant grits for this recipe?
While stone-ground grits are preferred for their texture and flavor, instant grits can work if you're in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times according to the package.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
You can substitute regular paprika, but adding a pinch of cayenne can give some extra depth.

Classic Shrimp and Grits Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once the water is bubbling, stir in your stone-ground grits and a teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let them cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.

While your grits are doing their thing, grab a skillet and heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute until it's fragrant and just starting to turn golden.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with black pepper and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they're pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and give them a good toss with freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance their flavor.

By now, your grits should be tender and creamy. Take them off the heat and stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and smooth.

To serve, spoon the creamy grits onto a plate and top with your beautifully cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect blend of creamy, cheesy grits with zesty shrimp.
  • A quick and satisfying meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 lemon, juiced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Stir in the grits and salt, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. While grits are cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with black pepper and smoked paprika, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
6. Remove shrimp from heat and toss with lemon juice.
7. Once the grits are cooked, remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese until creamy.
8. Serve the shrimp over the cheesy grits and garnish with chopped green onions.

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