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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy and tender.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute to meld flavors.
- Place a generous scoop of creamy cheese grits in the center of a plate or bowl.
- Top with the spicy shrimp mixture, including sautéed onions and bell peppers.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.
- 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