The Best Shrimp & Grits

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Get dinner on the table fast with this blackened shrimp and cheesy grits recipe. To keep prep speedy, look for shrimp that come peeled and deveined. Shrimp are often sold by count, or how many shrimp make up 1 pound—31-40 count shrimp is a good size to use here. Look for shrimp that are free of additives and preservatives. While they add to the shelf life, they can also add sodium and leave the shrimp with a rubbery texture.

Overhead view of The Best Shrimp & Grits recipe in a white bowl
Photo:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
4
Overhead view of ingredients for The Best Shrimp & Grits arranged on a countertop in various bowls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

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Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ pounds medium peeled, deveined raw shrimp

  • 2 teaspoons blackening seasoning

  • 3 cups water

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits

  • ¾ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

  • Sliced scallions, for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Toss shrimp with blackening seasoning in a medium bowl; set aside.

    Overhead view of shrimp in a glass bowl from The Best Shrimp & Grits

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

  2. Bring water and milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add grits. Reduce heat to low and cook, whisking often, until thickened and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually stir in Gouda until melted and smooth.

    Overhead view of hands adding cheese to the grits mixture from The Best Shrimp & Grits recipe

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

  3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp; arrange in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fully opaque, about 4 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and butter, stirring to melt the butter. Serve over the grits. Garnish with scallions, if desired.

    Overhead view of cooking shrimp, lemon juice and butter in a skillet from The Best Shrimp & Grits recipe

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, August 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

447 Calories
20g Fat
36g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup grits & about 3/4 cup shrimp
Calories 447
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 30g 60%
Total Fat 20g 26%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 223mg 74%
Vitamin A 758IU 15%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Vitamin D 34IU 9%
Vitamin E 3mg 18%
Folate 134mcg 34%
Vitamin K 3mcg 3%
Sodium 658mg 29%
Calcium 304mg 23%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 54mg 13%
Potassium 305mg 6%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Vitamin B12 2mcg 83%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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