Description
A classic Southern dish combining rich, creamy grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
- Salt to taste
- White or black pepper to taste
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper to taste (for seasoning shrimp)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (for the garlic sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for the sauce)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Optional chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
- Stir in 1 cup of stone-ground grits and reduce to a low simmer.
- Cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Incorporate 1 cup of heavy cream and 4 tbsp of unsalted butter, mixing until creamy.
- Add salt and white or black pepper to taste.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp white cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Set grits aside and keep warm.
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp of butter to the pan.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the pan.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1 tbsp of lemon juice, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve the creamy grits in bowls, topped with the shrimp and sauce.
- Garnish with optional parsley or green onions, and add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little kick if desired.
Notes
Use freshly stone-ground grits for the best texture; avoid rushing the cooking process. Experiment with spices for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 195mg