Spicy Southern Shrimp Grits: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Spicy Southern Shrimp Grits is a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Southern cuisine, and I can’t wait to share my take on it with you! This classic comfort food has its roots in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where it was originally a breakfast dish for fishermen. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved staple that graces dinner tables across the South and beyond. The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy grits, and a kick of spice creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible.

People love Spicy Southern Shrimp Grits not only for its rich and savory taste but also for its delightful texture. The creamy grits provide a perfect base for the tender shrimp, while the spices add a warmth that makes each bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a dish that can be whipped up relatively quickly, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Grits

First, let’s get those grits cooking. I love using stone-ground grits because they have such a wonderful texture and flavor. Here’s how I prepare them:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. If you want a richer flavor, I highly recommend using chicken broth.
2. Once boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits. This helps prevent lumps from forming.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the grits simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be creamy and tender.
4. After the grits are cooked, stir in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep them warm while you prepare the shrimp.

Cooking the Shrimp

Now, let’s move on to the shrimp. This is where the dish really starts to come together with all those spicy flavors!

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices.
4. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.
5. Once the shrimp are cooked, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it cook for another minute to meld the flavors.

Assembling the Dish

Now that both the grits and shrimp are ready, it’s time to assemble this delicious dish!

1. Take a generous scoop of the creamy cheese grits and place it in the center of a plate or bowl.
2. Top the grits with a hearty portion of the spicy shrimp mixture, making sure to include some of the sautéed onions and bell peppers.
3. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.
4. Serve immediately while everything is hot and enjoy the comforting, spicy flavors of Southern shrimp and grits!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Grits

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to make this dish even better:

• For extra creaminess in your grits, you can substitute some of the water or broth with milk or cream.
• If you like it spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture.
• Don’t skip the garnishes! They add a fresh flavor and beautiful presentation to the dish.
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Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Spicy Southern Shrimp Grits recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills and indulge in a comforting, flavorful dish. The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy grits, and a kick of spice creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your shrimp and grits with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can also experiment with variations by adding ingredients like crispy bacon, sautéed bell peppers, or even a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences! I encourage you to give this Spicy Southern Shrimp Grits recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any unique twists you added. Cooking is all about creativity and sharing, so don’t hesitate to post your photos and thoughts on social media. Let’s spread the love for this delicious dish together! Print

Spicy Southern Shrimp Grits: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
Experience the rich and comforting taste of Southern cuisine with this creamy Shrimp and Grits recipe. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with spices and served over velvety, cheesy stone-ground grits, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.
2. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy and tender.
4. Stir in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
5. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
7. Add the shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly.
8. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
9. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute to meld flavors.
10. Place a generous scoop of creamy cheese grits in the center of a plate or bowl.
11. Top with the spicy shrimp mixture, including sautéed onions and bell peppers.
12. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
• For extra creaminess, substitute some of the water or broth with milk or cream.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired spiciness.
• Garnishes enhance flavor and presentation.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes