Description
This Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits recipe is a classic comfort food dish combining creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits with perfectly seasoned, succulent shrimp. Featuring bold Cajun spices and a touch of heat from cayenne, it delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjusted to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and whole milk to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Finish the Grits: Stir in the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and salt into the cooked grits. Keep warm on the stove while you prepare the shrimp.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Season and Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add Lemon and Butter: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter into the skillet. Allow the butter to melt and combine with the shrimp to create a flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp and the buttery sauce over the warm cheesy grits. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the grits while cooking.
- Incorporate Andouille sausage or crispy bacon with the shrimp for additional Southern flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture, but quick-cooking grits can be substituted in a pinch, adjusting cooking time.
