Ingredients
For the shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the creamy cheddar grits:
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water or chicken broth
2 tbsp butter
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Optional garnish:
Chopped green onions
Fresh parsley
Hot sauce
Instructions
1. Bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Whisk in grits, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
3. Stir in butter, cheddar cheese, milk or cream, and salt. Keep warm.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Season shrimp with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
7. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
8. Finish shrimp with lemon juice.
9. Spoon creamy grits into bowls and top with shrimp.
10. Garnish as desired and serve hot.
Notes
• Stir grits often to prevent lumps.
• Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
• Add bacon or sausage for extra Southern flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: shrimp and grits, cheddar grits recipe, southern shrimp dinner