Creole Shrimp Cheese Grits (Print Version)
Creamy cheese grits topped with spicy Creole shrimp in a rich tomato sauce, Southern flavors combined.
# What You Need:
→ Cheese Grits
01 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Creole Shrimp
07 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
10 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
11 - 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
12 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced
13 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
14 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
15 - 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
16 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
18 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
19 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
21 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
# Directions:
01 - Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
02 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper until cheese melts completely and mixture is smooth. Cover and keep warm.
03 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
04 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in drained diced tomatoes, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Remove from heat immediately.
06 - Divide warm cheese grits among four bowls. Top generously with Creole shrimp and sauce. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of rich, cheesy grits and spicy Creole shrimp is pure comfort food magic
- This restaurant quality dish comes together in under 45 minutes
02 -
- Stone ground grits require patience and frequent stirring to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan
- Overcooking the shrimp will make them tough and rubbery, so remove them as soon as they turn opaque
03 -
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before adding them to the skillet for better searing
- Let the grits rest for 2 minutes off heat before serving to achieve the perfect consistency