Name: Southern Shrimp & Grits
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup stone-ground grits; 4 cups water or water and milk mix; ½ to 1 teaspoon salt; 2 to 3 tablespoons butter; ½ cup shredded cheddar or preferred cheese (optional); 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 2 to 3 tablespoons butter or oil; 2 to 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 to 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning; Optional: splash of lemon juice or hot sauce; Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

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Southern Shrimp & Grits is a beloved classic that brings the hearty flavors of the South right to your table. This dish pairs tender, perfectly spiced shrimp with creamy, buttery grits, creating a comforting meal that’s ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the rich blend of textures and savory notes that highlight the best of Southern cooking.

Making this dish from scratch is simple and rewarding — the slow-cooked grits develop a luscious creaminess while the seasoned shrimp cook quickly in a fragrant mix of garlic and onions. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this timeless combination is sure to satisfy and impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Featuring stone-ground grits for authentic creamy texture and deep flavor.
Savory shrimp seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices for a perfect Southern kick.
Easy to customize with cheese, herbs, or a splash of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Stone-ground grits: Coarse ground corn that cooks into rich, creamy porridge with a satisfying texture.
Water or milk: Liquid base for cooking grits that controls creaminess and flavor depth.
Salt: Enhances the natural taste of the grits and the shrimp.
Butter: Adds silky richness and smooth mouthfeel to both grits and shrimp.
Shredded cheese (optional): Sharp cheddar or Parmesan to enrich grits with a savory bite.
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, tender seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs spices well.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to balance flavors.
Garlic cloves: Minced for aromatic, pungent flavor in shrimp sauté.
Small onion: Finely chopped, provides sweetness and texture to the shrimp base.
Cajun or Creole seasoning: A blend of spices including paprika, cayenne, and herbs to bring bold Southern heat.
Lemon juice or hot sauce (optional): Brightens and livens up the shrimp with acidity or spice.
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish): Fresh herbs add color and freshness to the finished dish.

Instructions

Cook the Grits: Start by bringing your liquid (water or a water/milk blend) to a boil with salt in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer, stirring frequently, until they become thick and creamy, about 15–20 minutes depending on your grits brand. Stir in butter and optional cheese for extra silkiness, then cover to keep warm while preparing the shrimp.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the grits cook, heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, which creates a flavorful base layer for the shrimp.
Season and Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Cajun or Creole seasoning. Cook for 2–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Finish by stirring in a splash of lemon juice or hot sauce if you desire a tangy or spicy kick that complements the richness.
Plate and Garnish: Spoon the warm, creamy grits into bowls and top with the cooked shrimp and their flavorful pan juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish.

You Must Know

Adjust the liquid ratio when cooking grits to achieve your preferred creaminess or thickness.
Cajun seasoning can vary in heat—start moderately and adjust to taste for your ideal spice level.
Cheese is optional but adds a delightful richness; sharp cheddar or Parmesan work best.
Pair this dish with sautéed greens or a crisp salad to balance the richness and add freshness.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat grits gently with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess and warm shrimp briefly to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern classic shines alongside warm cornbread or a fresh garden salad. For extra greens, sautéed spinach or collard greens with garlic make a delicious contrasting side that enhances the meal’s Southern charm.

Professional Tips

Use stone-ground grits for authentic texture and flavor versus instant options.
For a smoky depth, add a dash of smoked paprika or cook shrimp in bacon fat.
Fresh herbs added at the end maintain brightness and texture—avoid cooking them too long.
If you like a creamier dish, stir in cream cheese or mascarpone into the grits before serving.

FAQs

Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground?: Yes, but quick-cooking grits have a different texture and cook faster, often resulting in less creaminess. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?: Use a simple mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme to mimic Cajun flavors.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?: Yes. Use water or dairy-free milk alternatives and substitute butter with oil or dairy-free margarine. Skip cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2 to 4 minutes. Remove promptly from heat to avoid rubbery texture.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?: You can cook the grits in advance and reheat with added liquid, but cook shrimp fresh for best texture and flavor.
What cheese works best in grits?: Sharp cheddar is classic for rich flavor; Parmesan or Gouda also melt well and add depth.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?: Yes, sautéed bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach mix well with shrimp and grits for added nutrition and color.