Shrimp Grits
Indulge in the Southern comfort of creamy, cheesy Shrimp Grits, a dish that combines velvety stone-ground grits with a rich blend of sharp cheddar cheese and buttery goodness, topped with perfectly seasoned, succulent shrimp. Infused with smoky paprika, zesty Cajun spices, and a bright touch of fresh lemon juice, the shrimp are cooked to tender perfection and layered over the grits for a perfect balance of flavors. Finished with a garnish of crisp green onions and optional crumbled bacon, this quick and easy recipe, ready in just 40 minutes, is ideal for elevating weeknight dinners or impressing guests. This Shrimp Grits recipe is the ultimate fusion of hearty, savory, and indulgent, bringing a taste of the South straight to your table.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cup green onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
- 0.25 cup crispy cooked bacon (crumbled, optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Slowly stir in the stone-ground grits, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Once the grits are tender and creamy, stir in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, the shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
Squeeze 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and give the skillet a quick stir to coat the shrimp in the lemony, garlicky sauce. Remove from heat.
To assemble, spoon the warm grits onto individual plates or bowls. Top with the cooked shrimp and the flavorful pan juices.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and crumbled crispy bacon if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2658 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 144.9 g | 186% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.8 g | 334% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1206 mg | 402% | |
| Sodium | 5814 mg | 253% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 167.6 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 178.4 g | 357% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1104 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 2093 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
