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This simple Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe is easy to make with a few ingredients. Imagine creamy buttery grits topped with Old Bay seasoned fresh shrimp. A comforting southern classic that's comforting and filling making the perfect weeknight dinner.
Are you a big fan of southern recipes? Try making Southern Mac and Cheese, Southern Baked Spaghetti, or Southern Cornbread next!
In need of a quick weeknight dinner?
In comes this easy shrimp and grits recipe.
This classic southern dish can be prepared in many different ways. There are many versions and recipes of this dish out there. You can add in smoked sausage, make the sauce creamy, or even fry the shrimp and toss them in a flavorful sauce.
One note: do not let cooking creamy grits intimidate you. With this recipe, you will simply use quick cooking grits that take about 5 to 10 minutes to cook. You will add them into a saucepan along with some chicken broth instead of water for more flavor and allow them to boil.
Once the grits finish cooking, you'll add in butter and cheese…because you have to have butter and cheese in grits right? That's it, flavorful creamy grits every time by following these few steps. Prepare the shrimp and voila, dinner is served.
Let's get started!
Why You'll Love These Easy Shrimp and Grits
- It’s so easy to make! Quick too!
- It is super filling.
- It uses up pantry items that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- It’s made with affordable ingredients. Perfect for any budget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Broth - Adds additional flavor to the grits, feel free to use any brand that you prefer from the grocery store. You may also use chicken stock, vegetable stock/broth, seafood stock/broth, or water instead.
- Quick-Cooking Grits - I prefer to use white corn quick grits (quick cooking grits) to save a little time. They're finely ground and cook a little quicker than stone-ground grits. Feel free to use any kind of grits including yellow corn, that you prefer except instant grits.
- Butter - Added to the grits to make them smooth and buttery, use salted or unsalted butter.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese - I prefer to use sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use any shredded cheese that you enjoy. Try using colby or smoked gouda.
- Olive Oil - This is needed to saute the onion and cook the shrimp.
- Onion - I prefer to use yellow onion, but you could use white onion also.
- Shrimp - Large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined shrimp) works best. You can go with the tail on or the tail off for this particular recipe. If you have access to Wild-caught Gulf Coast shrimp, use those! Frozen shrimp can be used as well, just allow them time to thaw before cooking.
- Old Bay Seasoning - This spice blend is a must! Do not omit, if you must substitute then you can use cajun seasoning or creole seasoning instead.
- Spinach - An optional topping, but adds another layer of flavor. Use frozen chopped spinach to make this easy.
- Grape Tomatoes - Optional but pairs well with the spinach to add a fresh ingredient to lighten up the overall dish.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.
How to Make a Cheesy Grits Recipe with Shrimp
Boil. To a medium saucepan add the grits, chicken broth, salt, and ground black pepper. Allow it to come to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and allow the grits to slowly simmer until thick. Remove the lid and whisk frequently to prevent lumps.
Add Butter and Cheese. Remove the lid and stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Season. Fully season the shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning.
Saute. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion, followed by the shrimp, and cook until done.
Serve. Divide the warm grits evenly among serving bowls. Top with an even amount of the shrimp mixture, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Grits and Shrimp
- I suggest selecting large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Wild-caught Gulf Coast shrimp are the best if available.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. Cook enough until they are no longer pink, then remove from the heat.
- Low and slow is best for cooking the grits. Start cooking them first (before the shrimp).
- You can add cooked chopped bacon or cooked sliced andouille sausage for extra flavor.
- Top with a dash or two of hot sauce or cut green onions.
- Add some heavy cream or half and half to the grits to make them super creamy.
What to Serve with Shrimp and Grits
My favorite things to serve with shrimp and grits are collard greens, biscuits, salmon patties, and fried okra!
What is the secret to great grits?
Here are my best tips for cooking the best tasting grits with a good texture:
- Cook the low and slow.
- Quick cooking, not instant or old fashioned (stone ground grits), will save you some time.
- Whisk, whisk, whisk, and then whisk some more. It helps to prevent lumpy grits.
- Add more liquid if needed until you reach your desired level of thickness or thinness.
- Use chicken broth or stock instead of water for more flavor.
Should I use quick grits for shrimp and grits?
Yes! Absolutely. I love using quick grits. They make this recipe so much easier and it comes together super fast thanks to the quick cooking time of the quick grits.
How to store leftover shrimp and grits?
Best enjoyed shortly after making. I don’t recommend storing it for later.
How to reheat shrimp and grits?
Try not to, this dish does not reheat well in my opinion. If you must enjoy it later, toss the grits and reheat the shrimp on low heat. Make new grits.
More Southern Recipes You'll Love!
- Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
- Easy Salmon Patties
- Easy Homemade Biscuits
- White Country Gravy
- Sweet and Sour Cabbage
- Southern Fried Apples
Do you have any comments, questions, or other tasty ideas for this Southern Shrimp and Cheese Grits Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Southern Shrimp and Grits
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick cooking grits
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half and half (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 cup chopped spinach, seasoned and sauteed
- ½ cup grape tomatoes, quartered
Instructions
- Using a medium size saucepan on the stovetop over medium high heat, add 1 cups grits, 3 cups chicken broth, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Allow it to come to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Cover the saucepan with the lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow the grits to slowly simmer until they thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove the lid and whisk frequently to prevent lumps.
- Carefully remove the lid and stir in the 3 tablespoons butter and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons heavy cream until combined and allow it to cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.
- While the grits are cooking, heat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons olive oil and allow it to heat. Add the ½ cup diced onion and allow it to cook until it begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Generously season 1 pound raw shrimp with 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning. Toss to make sure fully coated.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the onion mixture. Toss and cook the shrimp until no longer pink, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Divide the shrimp among serving bowls. Top with an even amount of the shrimp mixture. Add the 1 cup cooked spinach and ½ cup quartered grape tomatoes to the top of each bowl. Serve immediately while still warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- I suggest selecting large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Wild-caught Gulf Coast shrimp are the best if available.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. Cook enough until they are no longer pink, then remove from the heat.
- Low and slow is best for cooking the grits. Start cooking them first (before the shrimp).
- You can add cooked chopped bacon or cooked sliced andouille sausage for extra flavor.
- Top with a dash or two of hot sauce or cut green onions.
- Add some heavy cream or half and half to the grits to make them super creamy.
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands used, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
Original post date 06/24/2013. Updated 02/16/2024.
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