Louisiana Style Shrimp Grits (Printable)
Spicy shrimp combined with buttery, cheddar-infused creamy grits for a Southern classic delight.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Grits
01 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
02 - 4 cups water
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ For the Shrimp
08 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 1 bell pepper, red or green, diced
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 1/2 cup scallions, sliced
16 - 1/2 cup chicken or seafood stock
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
18 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
19 - 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ For Serving
20 - Fresh parsley, chopped
21 - Hot sauce
# Directions:
01 - Bring water, milk, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
02 - Gradually whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook stirring frequently until thick and creamy, about 20 to 25 minutes.
03 - Stir in butter, cheddar cheese, and black pepper until melted and combined. Keep warm.
04 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and toss evenly with Cajun seasoning.
05 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened about 3 to 4 minutes.
06 - Stir in garlic and half the scallions, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
07 - Add seasoned shrimp, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Cook until shrimp start to turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Pour in stock and lemon juice, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens and shrimp are cooked through.
09 - Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter for a glossy finish.
10 - Spoon creamy grits into serving bowls and top with shrimp and sauce.
11 - Sprinkle with reserved scallions, fresh parsley, and hot sauce if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of creamy cheddar grits and spicy shrimp creates an irresistible contrast that keeps you coming back for another bite
- This dish looks impressive but comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for both lazy Sunday brunches and weeknight dinners when you want something special
02 -
- Stone-ground grits absolutely require the full cooking time, so rushing this step will result in gritty, unpleasant texture that no amount of cheese can fix
- Shrimp continue cooking after you remove them from heat, so pull them from the pan the moment they turn pink to avoid tough, rubbery seafood
03 -
- Season your water and milk generously before adding the grits, because grits themselves need proper salting from the beginning to develop full flavor
- Preheat your bowls in a low oven for a few minutes before serving, which keeps everything hot longer and makes the experience feel restaurant-quality