Description
Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits is a classic, soul-warming Southern dish featuring tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp served over creamy, buttery stone-ground grits. This rich and savory meal combines smoky spices, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs for a comforting experience that can be enjoyed any time of day, perfect for quick preparation and customizable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits: Bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until grits thicken to a creamy consistency, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Set aside and keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the savory base for the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook for maximum tenderness.
- Combine and Garnish: Serve the cooked shrimp hot over a generous bed of creamy grits. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for fresh color and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and authentic flavor; avoid instant grits.
- Do not overcook shrimp; look for slight shrinking and pink opaque color as doneness cues.
- Season the shrimp generously to develop deep Southern flavors.
- Add cheese slowly after cooking grits to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.
- Fresh herbs like green onions and parsley brighten the dish and balance richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg