If you’re looking for a comforting, soulful dish that comes together quickly yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy grits combined with perfectly spiced shrimp create a classic southern harmony that’s hearty, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special weekend treat, this dish brings warmth to the table and smiles to everyone’s faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy base of stone-ground grits to the flavorful seasoning on the shrimp, these ingredients come together to build comforting textures and bold flavors without any fuss.
- 2 cups water: The base liquid that hydrates the grits, creating their signature creamy consistency.
- 2 cups milk: Adds richness and smoothness to the grits for a luscious texture.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: The heart of the dish, providing that traditional, slightly grainy texture full of character.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky finish and balances the flavors in the grits.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the grits, bringing sharp, tangy depth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps season the shrimp and gives them a nice sear.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the shrimp with aromatic warmth and savory complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a touch of vibrant color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings a gentle kick to elevate the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor element.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild pungent note to complement the spices.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Freshens the dish with a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grits
Begin by bringing the water and milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps, then reduce the heat and simmer gently. Stir frequently for 20 to 25 minutes to ensure the grits cook evenly and develop that creamy texture we all love. This slow simmering is key to unlocking their comforting heartiness.
Step 2: Add Butter and Cheese
Once the grits are tender, stir in the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. The butter adds silkiness while the sharp cheddar provides a bold bite of flavor that makes the grits truly indulgent. Keep the grits covered on low heat to stay warm and creamy until it’s time to serve.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
While the grits cook, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This simple spice blend seasons the shrimp perfectly, infusing them with a balance of smokiness, warmth, and a hint of heat that complements the creamy grits.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for just 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn opaque and develop a slight golden sear. Be careful not to overcook them—they should stay tender and juicy. The pan juices left behind add even more flavor when combined with the grits.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Spoon the warm, cheesy grits into serving bowls. Top generously with the perfectly cooked shrimp and drizzle with any remaining pan juices for an extra burst of flavor. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, offering brightness and a splash of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy grits and golden shrimp. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of sliced green onions can heighten the flavors and add a hint of zing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, tangy coleslaw or a simple mixed green salad to add freshness and texture. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like kale or spinach complement the richness of the grits beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your shrimp and grits in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey vibe or get fancy by plating the grits neatly with shrimp arranged artfully on top and garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. Adding a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of creamy remoulade can give your dish a stunning twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grits might thicken as they cool, but a little milk or water stirred in when reheating will bring them back to their creamy glory.
Freezing
While grits generally don’t freeze and thaw well due to their creamy nature, the cooked shrimp can be frozen separately in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid becoming rubbery.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the grits, and heat the shrimp just until warmed through. This will keep the texture pleasant and the flavors bright.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground grits?
Quick-cooking grits can be used in a pinch, but stone-ground grits provide a superior texture and deeper flavor that really make this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe shine. If time allows, stick with stone-ground for the best experience.
What type of cheese works best in shrimp and grits?
Sharp cheddar is traditional and adds a wonderful tangy kick. However, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like white cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just choose one that melts well and complements the shrimp.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify that your spices and cheese do not contain any additives with gluten. It’s a great hearty option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is the recipe with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier based on your preference. It’s all about balancing flavors to your comfort level.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen shrimp?
Fresh shrimp are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but good-quality frozen shrimp that’s properly thawed works well too. Just avoid pre-seasoned or breaded shrimp since that can change the dish’s flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe has a special way of turning a few simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying, flavor-packed meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests, and each spoonful feels like a warm hug from the South. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy the comforting magic of shrimp and grits anytime.
Print
Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Easy Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish featuring creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits topped with perfectly sautéed spiced shrimp. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting and flavorful recipe balances the richness of cheddar and butter with the bold spices on the shrimp, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a gentle boil to create a rich base for the grits.
- Cook Grits: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer, stirring often for 20-25 minutes until the grits are thick and creamy.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Cover the saucepan and keep warm.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a bowl, combine 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and have a slight sear.
- Serve: Spoon the warm grits into bowls, top with the cooked shrimp and any pan juices from the skillet, then garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
Notes
- Stone-ground grits provide the best texture and flavor but instant grits can be used for a quicker preparation with less creaminess.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
- For extra richness, substitute half the water with chicken broth or add a splash of heavy cream to the grits.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- Leftover grits can be refrigerated and reheated with a little milk to restore creaminess.
