Shrimp and grits are a classic southern comfort food!
Shrimp and grits, yay! I feel like most folks who love grits grew up eating them. I however did not. In fact, I had never even tried grits until a year or two ago and only had good grits this past February when we visited New Orleans. I’m not sure what possessed me to give shrimp and grits another go, but I’m glad I did because whooooeeeeee, I fell in looooove.
We like to serve our shrimp and grits with roasted okra (it’s NOT slimy!), sweet cornbread, and pickled green tomatoes.
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and Grits Ingredients
- Chicken stock – chicken stock is so important when making savory grits, because the grits soak up all that delicious flavor when they’re cooking. You can make your own chicken stock or purchase it at the market.
- Grits – I will probably get strung up and beaten with a wet noodle for saying this, but I love five minutes grits. They cook quickly and taste great. Why make more work than necessary?
- Heavy cream – Heavy cream is what gives this shrimp and grits recipe that deeply satisfying rich flavor. Don’t skimp on the cream.
- Seasoned salt – Seasoned salt (we like Lawry’s) is a great way to simplify recipes – if you don’t have a seasoned salt you love, salt and pepper will work in a pinch.
- Cheese – I used a blend of finely shredded cheddar and monterey jack- cheddar alone would still work well though.
- Shrimp – We start with raw shrimp. Shrimp cooks up quickly, so there’s no need to get the pre-cooked kind.
- Butter – Mmmmmmm, butter.
- Garlic – Because there’s no such thing as a good southern dish without garlic, amiright?
Are shrimp and grits gluten free?
Shrimp and grits are totally gluten free. Grits are made of cornmeal (gluten comes from wheat, not corn), and our shrimp recipe does not call for flouring the shrimp. So if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance you’re perfectly able to enjoy these shrimp and grits.
What kind of shrimp in shrimp and grits?
You can use any kind of shrimp or crawfish in shrimp and grits. I tend to buy the large bags of peeled, uncooked shrimp in our grocery store freezer when they go on sale. Shrimp defrosts very quickly, just put it in some cold water a few minutes before you need it then pat dry.
I definitely prefer to us pre-peeled and deveined shrimp and when you do, this recipe comes together super fast!
Shrimp and Grits with chicken stock
If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own chicken stock for shrimp and grits, store bought works just fine! Using chicken stock in place of water elevates the flavor and makes it so much more rich and robust.
More recipes like Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and Grits making tools
- Garlic press – Need fresh minced or sliced garlic, but don’t want to peel or chop your garlic? This garlic press is the bessssssst. We’ve had ours for as long as I can remember (maybe a wedding present?), and I use it several times a week!
- Calphalon everyday pan – This is a 12″ two handled pan that you will use pretty much every day. Which, of course is why it’s called an everyday pan. I have this one and the Le Creuset version. I use a whole lot of pots and pans in my line of work (apologies to my husband, the dishwasher!) and these are by far my most frequently used pans.
- Le Creuset braising pan – We talked a little bit about this one already. It’s the pumped up version of the Calphalon everyday pan. A little heavier, a little taller, a little nicer. And if you have a little more money to spend, then this is for sure the one to get. It’s a beautiful pan that you’ll use day in and day out.
How to make shrimp and grits
You can also watch us make shrimp and grits (and key lime pie!) on YouTube! Make sure to tune in for all our live cooking shows!
Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup 5 minute grits
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 cups finely shredded cheese I used a blend of cheddar and monterey jack
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled/deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
Grits:
- In a large pan bring chicken stock to a rolling boil. Slowly pour in grits, while stirring constantly (if you just dump it in you'll get a giant nasty clump)
- Reduce heat to low and continue stirring until grits thicken. Pour in cream, then seasoned salt, and mix well.
- When grits have thickened again and are heated through, stir in cheese.
- Enjoy!
Shrimp:
- In a large skillet or wok, bring butter and garlic to a simmer. Stir for a minute or two until garlic is fragrant.
- Toss in shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- Serve over cheesy grits and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
This shrimp and grits recipe was originally sponsored by Campbell’s Soup Company. All recipes and opinions belong to Mama Loves Food.
9.27.15
Cindy says
This looks so good. I happen to have everything at home expect chicken stock. Can I use beef stock instead? Thanks!
April says
sure š
Shiho says
Thank you for the detailed recipe including the tools required to make this recipe š
Patty says
When do you add the seasoned salt? Itās not in the instructions. Do you add it to grits or shrimp while cooking, or does it really matter? Thanks!
April Woods says
so sorry, i just fixed it. add to the grits! š