Experience the soul of Southern cuisine with our Southern Shrimp and Creamy Grits Delight. This dish pairs succulent, spicy shrimp with smooth, buttery grits, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It's a comfort food classic that's both simple and sophisticated, perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- This recipe serves 4 people.
- Each serving includes a generous portion of creamy grits topped with shrimp.
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
Ingredients
For the Grits
- Grits: 200 g (1 cup)
- Water: 950 ml (4 cups)
- Milk: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Butter: 60 g (1/4 cup)
- Cheddar cheese, grated: 100 g (1 cup)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined: 450 g (1 lb)
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Scallions, chopped: for garnish
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Method of Preparation
Cook the Grits
- Bring water and milk to a boil. Gradually whisk in grits.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in butter and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Shrimp
- Season shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in lemon juice.
Serve
- Spoon the creamy grits into bowls. Top with shrimp and garnish with chopped scallions.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For the best texture, use stone-ground grits if available.
- Add a splash of cream to the grits for extra richness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different from traditional grits.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the grits and shrimp separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add other ingredients to the dish?
Absolutely! Bacon, sausage, or bell peppers make great additions.