Onion-free Garlic-free

Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

Creamy stone-ground grits stirred with sharp cheddar and butter, topped with juicy paprika-seared shrimp and a squeeze of lemon. A comforting Southern-style dinner in 35 minutes.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
Serves
4
Illustration of Cheesy Shrimp and Grits, drawn from its ingredients
Cook's note

Stone-ground grits take longer than instant but have far more corn flavor and a creamier texture. Whisk them in slowly to avoid lumps, and stir often so they do not stick. Pat the shrimp very dry so they sear rather than steam.

Method

  1. Bring the water, milk and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a gentle simmer in a heavy pot. Whisk in the grits gradually.

  2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for , stirring often, until thick and creamy. Add a splash of water if they get too stiff.

  3. Pat the shrimp dry and toss with the paprika, cayenne, black pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

  4. Stir the cheddar and 2 tablespoons of the butter into the grits until melted. Cover to keep warm.

  5. Heat the olive oil and remaining tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for per side, until pink and opaque.

  6. Squeeze half of the lemon over the shrimp. Spoon the grits into bowls, top with shrimp, and finish with parsley and lemon wedges from the remaining half.

Tap a number to check off a step. Tap a green time to start a timer.

Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
Step 1 of 6

Bring the water, milk and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a gentle simmer in a heavy pot. Whisk in the grits gradually.

Step 2 of 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for , stirring often, until thick and creamy. Add a splash of water if they get too stiff.

Step 3 of 6

Pat the shrimp dry and toss with the paprika, cayenne, black pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Step 4 of 6

Stir the cheddar and 2 tablespoons of the butter into the grits until melted. Cover to keep warm.

Step 5 of 6

Heat the olive oil and remaining tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for per side, until pink and opaque.

Step 6 of 6

Squeeze half of the lemon over the shrimp. Spoon the grits into bowls, top with shrimp, and finish with parsley and lemon wedges from the remaining half.

All done

Dig in.

Nice work. Log it, and next time you'll see when you last made it.

esc