Southern Shrimp and Grits

20 mins Prep Time

1 hours 0 mins Cook Time

Written By

Nadia Boachie

Shrimp and grits are a southern classic that is indulgent, homey and delicious. This meal is easy to make and will have you going up for seconds. It's perhaps not the go-to meal when you are watching the waistline, but it is perfect for a once in a while treat. Golden brown well seasoned buttery shrimp served over creamy, cheesy grits makes the perfect combo. If you have never tried grits, maybe now is your chance to try making this delicious corn-based carb that sops up pretty much anything you serve it with. If you are not a seafood fan, try making this same meal with sautéed mushrooms.
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If you give this recipe a shot, make sure to post up your creation on Instagram and tag @tastetoronto and @travelandmunchies!

Ingredients

Grits

2 1/2 cups water
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup grits (stone-ground, medium ground or fine depending on preference)
4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese or other sharp cheese

Shrimp

1/4 cup unsalted butter or olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 teaspoons parsley, chopped
1/4 onion
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled, rinsed and patted dry
Vegetable oil, for cooking

Directions

Grits

5 Steps

Step 1

Pour milk, water and salt into a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Step 2

Once the milk mixture comes to a boil, gradually add the grits while continually whisking.
Step 3

Decrease the heat to low and cover. Remove lid and whisk frequently, every 3 to 4 minutes, to prevent grits from sticking or forming lumps; make sure to get into corners of pot when whisking. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes or until mixture is creamy.
Step 4

Remove from the heat, add butter, and whisk to combine.
Step 5

Once the butter is melted, gradually whisk in the cheese, a little at a time. Adjust seasonings, butter and cheese to taste. Keep covered and warm until ready for shrimp.

Shrimp

6 Steps

Step 1

Add 1 tablespoon of the 1/4 cup of butter into a pan.
Step 2

Add diced onions and sautée until soft.
Step 3

Add remainder of butter to pan and when it begins to shimmer, whisk in paprika, cumin, garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper. Whisk together and let simmer for about one minute. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 4

In a very hot skillet add one tablespoon of oil and distribute shrimp evenly in one layer over bottom of skillet. Wait 30 seconds until shrimp has got a nice brown colour on one side but is still raw on the other side, turn shrimp over once. Cook shrimp until just opaque. When shrimp is just about finished cooking, remove from stovetop.
Step 5

Pour heated butter mixture on shrimp and let the residual heat from skillet and butter mixture finish cooking shrimp.
Step 6

Serve shrimp over creamy girts and enjoy!