Description
This irresistible shrimp and grits recipe is a Southern classic featuring creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits topped with garlicky, smoky Cajun shrimp. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or entertaining, it’s a comfort food favorite that delivers bold flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup stone-ground grits
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk or cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium pot, bring chicken broth and milk to a simmer.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat and cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy.
3. Stir in butter, cheddar cheese, and salt. Keep warm.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add shrimp, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and lemon juice.
6. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
7. Spoon grits into bowls and top with shrimp and pan sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or bacon if desired.
Notes
This dish is best served hot and fresh.
Stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and texture.
Use large shrimp for juicier bites and faster cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 210mg