This dish features creamy, dreamy shrimp served over soft, buttery grits. It’s full of flavor with a hint of spice that makes every bite exciting. Yum!
I can’t resist how comforting this meal is! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and if you’re like me, you’ll end up eating too much. Just can’t help it! 😂
Making this is a breeze! I love that the shrimp cooks up quickly, and the grits are so smooth and delicious. It’s a satisfying dish that brings smiles all around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grits: Quick-cooking grits work well for this recipe, but if you love the texture, stone-ground grits are great too! Just remember that they take a little longer to cook. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, grits are naturally gluten-free.
Heavy Cream: While I love the richness heavy cream brings, you can swap it out for half-and-half or even milk to lighten things up. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, which adds a nice flavor twist!
Shrimp: Large shrimp is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, go for medium size or even frozen shrimp (just make sure to thaw them first). For a non-seafood option, diced chicken or tofu can be used instead.
Creole Seasoning: If you can’t find it, you can make your own blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano. Adjust to your spice preference!
How Do You Achieve Creamy, Perfect Grits?
Getting grits just right can be tricky, but follow these simple steps for success! The key is to cook them slowly and stir often to avoid lumps.
- Start by boiling your liquid (water or broth). It should be rolling before adding the grits.
- Pour the grits slowly while stirring to prevent clumping. This is crucial!
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Stir frequently for even cooking. Keep it low and slow!
- Mix in your butter, cheese, and cream at the end for that velvety finish. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Trust me, patience with the grits leads to a creamy texture that’s worth the wait!
Creamy Creole Shrimp & “Grits” Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grits:
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits (or stone-ground if you prefer)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth (for more flavor)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
For the Creole Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (green or red)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. After that, you can enjoy a delicious meal full of flavor in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grits:
In a medium saucepan, bring your choice of water or chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, slowly stir in the grits to avoid any lumps. After you’ve added them, reduce the heat to low and follow the package instructions to cook until thickened and creamy—this usually takes about 5 minutes for quick-cooking grits. Once the grits have thickened, mix in the butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want, add the chopped green onions or parsley and keep everything warm.
2. Cook the Creole Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, stirring to sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes and let them cook down for about 2 minutes. Now, add the Creole seasoning and smoked paprika, if using, stirring everything together nicely. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Finally, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, heating gently until the sauce slightly thickens.
3. Assemble the Dish:
To serve, spoon a generous portion of creamy grits into shallow bowls. Top it with the flavorful Creole shrimp and the delightful sauce. Remember to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice presentation.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Creole shrimp and grits while warm! This dish is comforting and bursting with flavor—a true Southern classic that is sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream, which adds a nice tropical flavor!
How Can I Make the Grits Creamier?
To enhance the creaminess, try adding extra butter and cheese into the grits. You can also stir in a bit more heavy cream or even sour cream for a tangy kick. Mixing the grits over low heat while adding these ingredients helps achieve that perfect, silky texture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the grits and shrimp separately, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat the grits and shrimp separately on the stove, adding a splash of cream to refresh the consistency of the grits if necessary!