Name: Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup stone-ground grits; 4 cups chicken broth; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Green onions, sliced; Fresh parsley, chopped

Description

This Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe offers a creamy, cheesy base of stone-ground grits topped with seasoned, sautéed fresh shrimp. A comforting and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine, perfect for a hearty breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Grits

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Shrimp and Seasoning

1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

Green onions, sliced
Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the grits: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are creamy and tender. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Sauté the shrimp and aromatics: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 3 cloves minced garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
Serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto plates and top with the sautéed shrimp mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

Use stone-ground grits for authentic texture and flavor.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the dish.
For a richer taste, substitute chicken broth with low-sodium chicken stock.
You can add a splash of hot sauce for extra spice if desired.
This dish is best served immediately but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.