Description
A comforting Southern classic featuring creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent, seasoned shrimp.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
- Salt to taste
- White or black pepper to taste
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Optional chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Stir in 1 cup of stone-ground grits and reduce to a low simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Incorporate 1 cup of heavy cream and 4 tbsp of unsalted butter, mixing until creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp white cheddar until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add 2 tbsp of butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scrape up brown bits, and stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return shrimp to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve the creamy grits in bowls, topped with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with parsley or green onions, and add cayenne or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Make sure to stir the grits frequently for a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg