If you’ve ever longed for a warm, comforting dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly seasoned, tender shrimp to create a Southern classic that’s both satisfying and impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends on the weekend, this recipe brings bold flavors and simple ingredients together into a dish that’s nothing short of delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role. From the creamy, dreamy grits to the smoky, spicy shrimp, every component adds vibrant taste or texture that makes this dish memorable.
- 2 cups water: The base liquid that cooks the grits to creamy perfection.
- 2 cups milk: Adds richness and smoothness to the grits, making them luxuriously creamy.
- 1 cup stone-ground grits: The heart of the dish, offering a slightly coarse texture for the perfect Southern-style bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Gives the grits a silky finish and a touch of indulgence.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the grits, infusing a sharp, tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the shrimp, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein—fresh, plump, and ready to soak up all the seasoning.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory depth to the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a hint of spicy kick to liven up the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness that balances the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh color and a pop of herbal brightness.
How to Make Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grits
Start by bringing water and milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan—this dual-liquid approach ensures your grits will be creamy and flavorful. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits, then reduce the heat to let them simmer. Keep stirring frequently for 20 to 25 minutes to prevent sticking and to help achieve a smooth, luscious texture. This patient stirring really pays off with those perfect, silky grits.
Step 2: Finish the Grits
Once the grits have thickened and are tender, stir in butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until everything melts into one rich, velvety mixture. Cover the pot to keep them warm, so they’re ready to serve alongside the shrimp once cooked.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
While the grits cook, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend brings a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and savory notes that make the shrimp irresistibly tasty.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for just 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop a lovely sear. The quick cooking time helps keep the shrimp juicy and tender, while locking in all those wonderful flavors from the seasoning.
Step 5: Assemble Your Dish
To serve, spoon the creamy grits into bowls, layer on the succulent shrimp, and drizzle with any pan juices left in the skillet for extra flavor. Top with chopped parsley for a fresh and visually appealing finish that truly turns this meal into something special.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley add a burst of color and a mild herbaceous note that complements the richness of the dish perfectly. You could also experiment with a sprinkle of green onions or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
While this dish shines beautifully on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables can add a refreshing contrast. For a true Southern spread, consider serving alongside collard greens or a tangy slaw to balance the creamy grits and spicy shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress this up for guests, serve the grits in individual shallow bowls or ramekins and arrange shrimp neatly on top. Drizzle a little garlic butter or a homemade herb oil over the dish to elevate the flavors and impress your friends with a restaurant-quality presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The grits may thicken as they cool, so don’t worry—that’s easily fixed when reheating. The shrimp will still taste great but try to enjoy them within this timeframe for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
While grits themselves can freeze, shrimp tend to lose texture after being frozen once cooked. For best results, freeze leftover grits and shrimp separately if you want to keep them longer. Use airtight freezer bags or containers and consume within 1 month for quality and safety.
Reheating
Rewarm your grits gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or water to bring back their creamy consistency. The shrimp should be reheated briefly in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave just until heated through to avoid rubberiness. This quick reheating keeps your Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use quick grits instead of stone-ground?
Absolutely! Quick grits will cut down your cooking time significantly, but the texture will be smoother and less hearty compared to stone-ground grits. Both work well, so choose based on your time and texture preference.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I leave out cayenne pepper?
Yes, feel free to omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount to suit your taste. The paprika still brings warmth and color, and the dish remains flavorful without the heat.
Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?
You sure can! While sharp cheddar provides a nice tang and meltiness, other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or even pepper jack can add different but equally tasty twists to your grits.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use plain, unflavored grits and check that your spices and other ingredients don’t contain any gluten additives.
What’s the best way to clean and prepare shrimp?
Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined if possible for convenience. If not, remove the shell and use a paring knife to make a shallow slit along the back to remove the vein. Rinsing them under cold water before seasoning is a great way to start.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s surprisingly simple to make but feels like a special occasion on your plate. With creamy, cheesy grits paired with perfectly seasoned shrimp, you’re treating yourself to a meal that’s both nostalgic and freshly delicious. Don’t wait for a fancy dinner out to enjoy this—invite some friends or gather your family and dive into this heartwarming Southern favorite tonight!
Print
Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Easy Shrimp and Grits recipe combines creamy stone-ground grits with tender, flavorful sautéed shrimp seasoned with garlic, paprika, and cayenne. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting Southern classic perfect for a quick dinner or special brunch.
Ingredients
Grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Liquids: In a medium saucepan, bring water and milk to a gentle boil to prepare the base for the grits.
- Cook Grits: Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until the grits are thick and tender.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Cover and keep warm to maintain the creamy texture.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat and infuse flavor.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are just cooked through, developing a slight sear.
- Assemble Dish: Spoon the creamy grits into serving bowls, top with the sautéed shrimp along with any pan juices from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best creamy texture; quick or instant grits can make the dish less flavorful and powdery.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste depending on how spicy you prefer your shrimp.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack for variation.
- Keep medium heat while cooking shrimp to avoid overcooking and making them rubbery.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the grits during cooking.
