Description
This Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe is a classic comfort dish combining creamy stone-ground grits with perfectly sautéed, spiced shrimp. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that brings the warm flavors of the South to your table in just 30 minutes.
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
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons 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 clumping. Reduce heat to low and let the grits simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they become creamy and tender.
- Add butter and cheese: Once the grits are creamy, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the butter and cheese have fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, rich texture.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto serving plates. Top each serving with the sautéed shrimp mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and authentic Southern flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth with shrimp stock or add a splash of heavy cream to the grits.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Grits can be kept warm by covering the pot or placing in a warm oven if needed before serving.
