Shrimp and grits is a dish that originated in the Southern United States, particularly in the coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. It typically consists of sautéed shrimp served over a bed of creamy grits, which are made from boiled and ground cornmeal.
To prepare shrimp and grits, the shrimp is cooked in a skillet with a variety of seasonings and spices, such as garlic, onion, and Cajun seasoning, until they are pink and cooked through. The cooked shrimp is then served over a bed of grits that have been flavored with butter, milk, cheese, or other ingredients.
Shrimp and grits can be served as a breakfast, brunch, or dinner dish, and it is often accompanied by other Southern-style sides, such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, or fried green tomatoes. It has become a popular dish across the United States and is often featured in Southern-style and seafood restaurants.
SERVINGS: 4
PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup uncooked grits
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, garlic, olive oil, paprika, and cumin. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken stock, grits, salt, and pepper to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir to combine.
- Serve the shrimp and grits in individual bowls and garnish with parsley.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
This dish is delicious served with a side of sautéed vegetables or a green salad.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture before baking.
