Savory Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Delight
This comforting dish brings together the rich flavors of the South with a twist of modern convenience. I discovered the delightful world of Shrimp & Grits through my husband's low-country heritage, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. This Easy Cheesy Shrimp & Grits version is perfect for busy weeknights yet feels like a gourmet meal. The creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent shrimp makes for a satisfying dinner that pairs perfectly with a refreshing salad. With its blend of textures and flavors, this dish quickly transforms any ordinary meal into a family celebration.
4
Servings
210
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1.5 lbs (peeled and deveined)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (optional, for boiling water)
water
3 cups (for boiling)
quick-cooking grits
1 cup (for cooking)
salt
1 teaspoon (for grits)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (for adding flavor to grits)
cheddar cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (for garnish and heat)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil. If you're using it, stir in the Old Bay seasoning to infuse the water with flavor.
2
Once boiling, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
3
In the same pot, add the quick-cooking grits and salt to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
4
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the grits are creamy.
5
Divide the cheesy grits among individual bowls and top generously with the cooked shrimp. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
23.75g
Carbs
15g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish of this recipe?
The dish is Savory Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Delight, a comforting Southern-inspired meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Savory Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Delight?
There are 210 calories per serving.
What type of grits are required for this recipe?
You should use 1 cup of quick-cooking grits.
How much shrimp do I need?
The recipe requires 1.5 lbs of shrimp, peeled and deveined.
How long should the shrimp be cooked?
Cook the shrimp for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?
It is optional, but 1 tablespoon can be stirred into the boiling water to infuse the shrimp with flavor.
How much water is used to boil the shrimp and grits?
You will need 3 cups of water.
What kind of cheese is used to make the grits cheesy?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long do the grits take to cook?
The quick-cooking grits should simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
What spices are added to the grits?
The grits are flavored with salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The dish contains 23.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 0.5g of fiber per serving.
Is this a quick recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the origin or inspiration for this dish?
It is inspired by low-country heritage and traditional Southern cooking.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough?
Be careful not to overcook them; they only need 3-5 minutes in boiling water.
Should the grits be cooked with the lid on?
Yes, once the heat is reduced to medium-low, cover the pot and simmer.
What should I serve with Shrimp & Grits?
This dish pairs perfectly with a refreshing salad.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How many red pepper flakes should be added?
Add 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes for garnish and heat.
When do I add the cheese to the grits?
Remove the pot from the heat first, then stir in the cheese until fully melted.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients.
Is salt added to the shrimp water or the grits?
Salt is added to the boiling water at the same time as the quick-cooking grits.
What texture should the grits have?
The grits should be thick and creamy once the cheese and spices are mixed in.
How do you assemble the final plate?
Divide the cheesy grits into individual bowls and top generously with the cooked shrimp.
What is the preparation for the shrimp before cooking?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the boiling water.
Can this be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting dish and tagged as comfort food.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
According to the nutritional data, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.