Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of perfectly cooked grits with succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp - a Southern classic that promises to transport you straight to the heart of coastal comfort food. This Shortcut Shrimp and Grits recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or impressive weekend brunch dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Slowly whisk in the grits, reducing heat to medium-low to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir the grits continuously for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to thicken and become creamy. Reduce heat to low and cover, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the grits are cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- When the grits are smooth and creamy, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Divide the cheesy grits among four serving plates, creating a smooth base. Top each portion with the cooked shrimp.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips
- Whisk Those Grits Slowly: To avoid lumpy grits, pour the grits into boiling water gradually and whisk continuously, reducing heat to prevent clumping.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Before seasoning, ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried with paper towels. This helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents steaming.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly - 2-3 minutes per side is all you need. They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Serve Immediately: Grits are best enjoyed hot and creamy, so time your cooking so everything is ready to plate and serve right away.
- Garnish with Flair: Chopped green onions not only add color but a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the rich, creamy grits.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 238kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
