Tasty Shrimp and Creamy Grits Recipe: A Southern Gem

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when shrimp and creamy grits dance across their culinary landscape.

This classic Southern staple blends tender, succulent shrimp with velvety, rich grits in a mouthwatering combination.

Generations of cooks have perfected this hearty dish that sings with robust flavors and comforting textures.

Each bite brings a harmony of seafood and creamy cornmeal that speaks directly to the soul of Southern cooking.

The recipe balances delicate shrimp with smooth, buttery grits, creating a symphony of taste that feels both elegant and homey.

Spices and seasonings weave through the dish, adding depth and character to every forkful.

Dive into this irresistible plate that promises to transport you straight to the heart of coastal comfort food.

Tools for Cooking Shrimp and Creamy Grits

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing sausage, shrimp, and creating the delicious sauce.
• Cutting board: Perfect for slicing sausage and chopping onions and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring Creole seasoning and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Separate pot: Used for cooking creamy, smooth grits.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving grits onto plates.

How to Prepare Savory Shrimp and Grits Quickly

Southern Comfort Shrimp and Grits Bliss

• Flavor Explosion Preparation

Blend Creole seasoning and smoked paprika to coat shrimp thoroughly. Let the seafood absorb those zesty flavors while prepping other components.

• Sausage Sizzle

Slice sausage into delicate rounds and brown them in a spacious skillet. Once golden, transfer to a waiting plate, preserving those delicious pan drippings.

• Aromatic Foundation

Melt butter in the same skillet, introducing diced onions until they transform into a soft, translucent canvas. Add minced garlic and let its fragrance dance through the kitchen.

• Seafood Sauté

Introduce seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking swiftly until they blush pink. Gently remove and set alongside the sausage.

• Flavor Infusion

Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, capturing every caramelized morsel. Introduce heavy cream and allow the sauce to whisper and bubble.

• Reunion of Ingredients

Return shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Splash of lemon juice brings brightness as the sauce embraces everything deliciously.

• Creamy Grits Finale

Simmer broth and milk, then welcome grits with a gentle stir. Cook until they reach cloudlike creaminess.

• Plating Magic

Spread luxurious grits on plates, crown with the shrimp and sausage mixture. Sprinkle with fresh green onions for a final flourish.

Flavor Ideas for Shrimp and Creamy Grits

• Spice It Up: Experiment with different Creole or Cajun seasonings to adjust the heat level and flavor profile of your shrimp. Try mild blends for a gentle kick or fiery mixes for adventurous palates.
• Sausage Swap: Replace andouille sausage with chorizo for a Spanish twist or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Each variation brings a unique flavor dimension to the classic dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Stir in some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese into the grits for an extra layer of richness. The melted cheese adds depth and creates a more indulgent base for the shrimp.
• Quick Weeknight Hack: Prepare the shrimp and sausage mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving over freshly made grits for a stress-free meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add a pop of color. These vegetables complement the creamy grits and savory proteins beautifully.

Serving Suggestions for a Shrimp and Grits Dish

• Coastal Comfort Plating: Serve this dish in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy grits and highlight the colorful shrimp and sausage mixture, creating a restaurant-worthy presentation that feels both elegant and homey.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, spicy flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay. The wine's acidity will cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the seafood's delicate taste.
• Southern Brunch Twist: Transform this recipe into a weekend brunch showstopper by adding a poached egg on top, creating a luxurious sauce that blends with the creamy grits and adds an extra layer of indulgence to the dish.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like chives or flat-leaf parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that lifts the entire dish and provides a beautiful pop of color against the creamy background.

Saving Creamy Grits with Shrimp the Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover shrimp and creamy grits separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm shrimp mixture gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. For grits, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to restore creamy consistency and avoid scorching.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze shrimp mixture without grits in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and seal in a zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Cook grits and shrimp mixture separately, storing in refrigerator up to two days. Assemble just before serving to maintain perfect texture and temperature, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Savory Shrimp and Creamy Grits

• Creole Seasoning: Adds bold, zesty flavor that brings Southern charm to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a warm, smoky depth that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the natural flavors.

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that offers a delicate sweetness and tender texture.
• Andouille Sausage: Spicy Cajun sausage that provides robust, hearty flavor and rich complexity.

• Onions: Builds a foundational flavor with sweet, caramelized undertones.
• Garlic: Releases an intense, aromatic essence that elevates the entire dish.
• Butter: Creates a silky, rich base for sautéing and developing deep flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to create a luxurious sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, umami notes that enhance the overall complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Brings a velvety smoothness and creates a luscious, elegant sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty counterpoint.

• Grits: Creamy Southern staple that provides a comforting, hearty base.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Broth: Infuses additional flavor into the grits.

• Green Onions or Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and pop of color.

Hearty Shrimp and Grits Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort dish Creamy Shrimp and Grits delivers authentic Carolina coastal flavors with succulent shrimp nestled in rich, buttery stone-ground grits. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this classic meal a perfect choice for home cooks seeking genuine Southern cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 14 oz (397 grams) smoked sausage link/rope (like Hillshire Farm)
• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups milk or half & half
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsps butter
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2.5 tsp Creole seasoning
• 2 tsp salt (optional)
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• Green onions or fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Blend Creole seasoning and smoked paprika, thoroughly coating shrimp to intensify flavor profile. Let spices marinate while prepping other ingredients.
2. Sausage Rendering: Slice sausage into thin medallions and sear in a large skillet, achieving a deep golden-brown crust. Remove sausage, reserving the rich, flavor-packed drippings.
3. Aromatic Base: Melt butter in the same skillet, adding diced onions and sautéing until translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring until its fragrance permeates the pan.
4. Protein Integration: Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking rapidly until they turn vibrant pink. Extract shrimp and set aside with the seared sausage.
5. Sauce Development: Deglaze skillet with chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up caramelized bits. Reduce liquid, creating an intensely flavored foundation.
6. Creamy Fusion: Pour heavy cream into the reduced liquid, creating a luxurious sauce. Reunite sausage and shrimp, brightening with a splash of lemon juice.
7. Grits Preparation: Bring broth and milk to a rolling boil in a separate pot. Whisk in grits, reducing heat and covering to achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
8. Plating and Garnish: Spread creamy grits as a voluptuous base, topping with the succulent shrimp and sausage ensemble. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a final flourish of color and flavor.

Notes

• Spice Precision: Layer Creole seasoning and smoked paprika evenly to ensure every shrimp absorbs maximum flavor without overwhelming heat.
• Sausage Rendering Technique: Brown sausage slowly to release rich fat, creating a golden caramelized surface that becomes the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
• Shrimp Cooking Timing: Cook shrimp quickly over high heat just until pink to prevent rubbery texture, which typically takes 2-3 minutes maximum.
• Grits Consistency Control: Whisk grits constantly while adding to hot liquid, preventing lumps and achieving a silky, smooth texture that serves as a creamy base.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg