Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South! This mouthwatering recipe for Shrimp and Creamy Cheddar Grits is not just a meal, it's an experience that combines luxurious, velvety cheese grits with perfectly sautéed, succulent shrimp. Whether you're a Southern cuisine enthusiast or simply craving a comforting dish that screams home-cooked goodness, this recipe will have you falling in love with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grits to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the grits simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and creamy.
- While the grits are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- When the grits are done cooking, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and fully incorporated.
- Season the cheesy grits with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- To serve, spoon the creamy cheddar grits onto plates and top with the sautéed shrimp. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
Tips
- Whisk constantly when adding grits to boiling water to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be pink and just opaque to remain tender.
- Choose a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor in your grits.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the grits.
- Season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Let the grits rest for a few minutes after cooking to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture of both shrimp and grits.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 250mg
