BEST Shrimp and Grits Recipe 🦐

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

shrimp

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna is more affordable and still provides protein.

Peel the shrimp by pulling the legs to one side and removing the shell, then pinch the tail to pop off the meat.

Devein the shrimp using a toothpick to catch the vein without cutting the shrimp.

Optional: Brine the shrimp in 2 cups of water with 0.5 tablespoon of baking soda for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Smash garlic with the side of a knife, then mince it.

Marinate the shrimp with garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Core and dice the red bell pepper, and finely dice the onion.

Chop the ham into cubes.

In a pan, combine chicken stock and milk, bring to a boil.

Stir in the grits and cook for 10 minutes on low heat, stirring every 3 minutes.

In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ham, frying until brown.

Add onions and red bell peppers, sauté until onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).

Add shrimp and any remaining marinade, spreading them into a single layer.

Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking until fully cooked and onions are brown.

Add grated cheddar to the grits in three additions, stirring to combine before adding more.

Melt in the butter into the grits after all the cheese is incorporated.

Spoon grits into a shallow bowl, top with shrimp and some oil from the pan.

Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens