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Plate of authentic Southern shrimp and grits with garnishes

Shrimp and Grits

A creamy and cheesy Southern classic that wraps you in comforting flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Grits
  • 1 cup grits Use quick-cooking or regular grits based on preference.
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth Broth adds more flavor.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream For creaminess.
  • 4 tablespoons butter Adds richness.
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to use other cheese varieties.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.
  • 2 green onions, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Cooking the Grits
  1. In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Gradually stir in the grits and reduce heat to low.
  2. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, butter, and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking the Shrimp
  1. In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sauté until the shrimp is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve shrimp over the creamy grits and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or lemon juice before serving. Timing is everything; start cooking the grits first as they take longer!