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Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits

Easy Creamy Shrimp and Grits

  • Author: AlmaHerzog
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

This Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or Southern-style brunch. Featuring cheesy, buttery grits topped with succulent sautéed shrimp and savory plant-based smoked strips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup quick grits
  • 3/4 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 tsp. coarse black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 6 slices plant-based smoky strips, diced
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 roasted red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 lb. jumbo shrimp (26–30 count), peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • Fresh lemon wedge
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Step: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock and water to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the grits and immediately reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy (about 5–7 minutes).
  2. Step: Add both the white and sharp cheddar cheeses, butter, and black pepper. Stir until fully melted and combined. Taste and add salt if desired. Cover and keep warm.
  3. Step: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced plant-based smoky strips until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the strips and set aside, leaving the remaining oil in the skillet.
  4. Step: Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the roasted red bell peppers and cook for 2–3 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat.
  5. Step: In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  6. Step: Heat olive oil in a separate sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
  7. Step: Return the skillet with the crispy strips, onions, and peppers to medium-low heat. Add the cooked shrimp and all the cold butter cubes. Stir constantly as the butter melts and emulsifies, creating a silky, rich sauce. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  8. Step: Spoon the creamy cheese grits into bowls. Top with the saucy shrimp mixture and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

You can hold a couple of the cold butter cubes back and swirl them in right before serving to create a glossy, rich final texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: shrimp and grits, southern comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy grits, seafood recipe

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/easy-creamy-shrimp-and-grits-124060164729700552/