Imagine sinking your spoon into a steaming bowl of creamy, cheesy grits, topped with perfectly seared shrimp and a flavorful sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This isn’t just any shrimp and grits recipe – it’s the best, crowd-pleasing version that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Growing up in the South, I have a deep appreciation for the classic comfort food that is shrimp and grits. But over the years, I’ve perfected a recipe that takes this beloved dish to new heights. With just the right balance of rich, creamy flavors and a subtle kick of spice, this shrimp and grits recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a cozy, satisfying meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, let’s dive in and discover the secret behind this irresistible dish!
✨ The Secret Behind This Irresistible Dish
The key to this exceptional shrimp and grits recipe lies in the careful selection and preparation of each ingredient. First and foremost, we use a high-quality stone-ground grits, which lend a wonderfully creamy, textured base to the dish. The shrimp are sourced fresh and seared to perfection, sealing in their natural sweetness.
But the real game-changer is the sauce. By simmering the shrimp in a flavorful broth infused with Cajun spices, garlic, and a hint of lemon, we create a sauce that truly makes this dish shine. The result is a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, and bright flavors that will have your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredients
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
The key to this recipe is the use of stone-ground grits, which lend a wonderfully creamy and textured base to the dish. These grits are made from whole corn kernels that have been coarsely ground, rather than the more common quick-cooking grits that can sometimes result in a grainy or watery texture. The addition of whole milk and sharp cheddar cheese further enhances the grits’ luxurious mouthfeel.
Instructions
- Cook the Grits: In a large saucepan, bring the 4 cups of broth and the milk to a boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits are tender and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan, sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and lightly charred. Transfer the seared shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in the 1 cup of broth and the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
- Combine and Serve: Add the seared shrimp back to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve the shrimp and sauce immediately over the creamy grits, garnished with the chopped parsley.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 34 g
• Sodium: 1,214 mg
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
🎨 Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Ideas
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the shrimp with cubed extra-firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of the dairy products.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. You can also finely mince a fresh jalapeño or serrano chile and sauté it with the onions for an extra spicy kick.
🎉 Elevate Your Meal with These Serving Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, a drizzle of Sriracha or hot sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a vibrant, flavorful touch.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, chilled white wine like a sauvignon blanc or a dry rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing sweet tea or lemonade.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: For the creamiest, most flavorful grits, it’s crucial to use ingredients at room temperature. This helps the grits to cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth, milk, and cheese. Be sure to take the time to bring the broth and milk to room temperature before starting the recipe.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Skillet: Properly preheating the skillet before searing the shrimp is essential for achieving a nice, golden-brown crust. If the pan is not hot enough, the shrimp will release too much moisture and end up steaming instead of searing.
❄️ Preserve Your Creation: Storage Tips
• Freezing: The grits can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The shrimp do not freeze well, so it’s best to prepare them fresh.
• Reheating: To reheat the grits, add a splash of milk or broth and gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For the shrimp, reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil or butter over medium heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
❓ FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground?
While you can use quick-cooking grits in this recipe, we highly recommend using stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor. Quick-cooking grits tend to have a more watery, less creamy consistency that won’t provide the same luxurious mouthfeel as the stone-ground variety.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
To save on costs, you can use frozen shrimp instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Additionally, you can swap out the sharp cheddar cheese for a more affordable shredded cheese blend. The key flavors will still come through, and you’ll end up with a delicious, budget-friendly shrimp and grits dish.
Can I make the grits in advance?
Absolutely! The grits can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the grits gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore their creamy texture. This makes this recipe a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For an extra spicy kick, you can add a finely minced jalapeño or serrano chile to the sauce along with the Cajun seasoning. You can also increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to your desired level of heat. Additionally, serving the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Sriracha, is a great way to let your guests customize the spice level to their preferences.
Can I use a different type of protein besides shrimp?
Absolutely! While shrimp is the traditional protein in shrimp and grits, you can easily substitute it with another protein. Seared chicken thighs or breasts, crumbled Italian sausage, or even cubed smoked ham would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly for the protein you choose.
💌 Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
With this irresistible shrimp and grits recipe, you’ll be the star of any dinner party or family gathering. The key is in the carefully selected ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail in the preparation. So go ahead, dive in, and savor every creamy, flavorful bite. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
Now that you’ve mastered this incredible shrimp and grits recipe, it’s time to put your own unique spin on it. Experiment with different spices, add-ins, and garnishes to make it your own signature dish. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family – they’re sure to be just as impressed as you are with the final result.
Bon appétit, and enjoy your delicious creation!
The Best Crowd-Pleasing Best Shrimp and Grits Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring the 4 cups of broth and the milk to a boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits are tender and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan, sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and lightly charred. Transfer the seared shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in the 1 cup of broth and the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
- Add the seared shrimp back to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve the shrimp and sauce immediately over the creamy grits, garnished with the chopped parsley.
