Ingredients:
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Grits:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Slowly pour in the stone-ground grits while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the grits, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
Stir in the whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking the grits for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are smooth and creamy. Stir in the unsalted butter until melted. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken or seafood broth and fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until heated through.
Serve:
To serve, spoon the creamy grits into individual bowls or plates. Top the grits with the sautéed shrimp and sauce.
Garnish the shrimp and grits with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips:
- For extra flavor in the grits, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking them. You can also add additional cheese or butter for a richer taste.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- With Express Collard Greens, you’ll have a quick and flavorful side dish that embodies the heartiness of traditional Southern cuisine, ready to be enjoyed on even the busiest of days!
- Customize the Cajun seasoning to your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of spice and heat. You can also add other herbs and spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for additional flavor.
- For a heartier meal, you can add additional ingredients to the shrimp and sauce, such as sliced andouille sausage, diced bell peppers, or chopped tomatoes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all ingredients are cooked through.
