Spicy Shrimp and Cheddar Grits is a comforting dish with a bit of a kick, perfect for when you're craving something both hearty and flavorful. It’s a modern twist on a Southern classic, combining creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp.
Shrimp are the star of this dish, bringing a subtle sweetness and tender texture. For the best flavor, fresh or frozen shrimp that have been peeled and deveined work well.
Stone-ground grits provide the creamy base. They soak up the cheese and seasonings wonderfully, making them the ideal partner for the spicy shrimp.
Cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the heat perfectly. It melts into the grits, making them irresistibly creamy.
Butter is essential for adding silkiness to the grits, enhancing their creamy texture.
Garlic powder and cayenne pepper bring depth and a bit of heat to the dish, making each bite flavorful and exciting.
Olive oil is used to cook the shrimp, giving them a lovely, light flavor without overpowering their natural taste.
Scallions and parsley add freshness and a pop of color to the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Lemon juice provides a bright, zesty finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
This dish is delicious on its own, but for a full Southern experience, serve it alongside collard greens or a simple green salad. A cold, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc also pairs beautifully with this meal.
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling away, stir in 1 cup of stone-ground grits. Reduce the heat to low, allowing them to simmer. Make sure to stir occasionally for about 20 minutes. This helps prevent them from sticking to the pot and ensures they cook evenly.
Once the grits have reached a creamy consistency, it’s time to add the good stuff. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then mix until the cheese has melted completely and everything is well combined.
While your grits are doing their thing, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely pink and opaque. Add the chopped scallions and parsley, giving everything a good toss to combine the flavors.
Finish off the shrimp with a generous squeeze of lemon juice, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nice brightness to the dish.
To serve, spoon a hearty portion of the cheesy grits onto each plate, then top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with additional parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy!
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