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Creamy Southern shrimp and grits served in a bowl for breakfast

Creamy Southern Shrimp and Grits

Creamy Southern shrimp and grits is a hearty breakfast dish renowned for its bold flavors and comforting texture, combining creamy grits topped with succulent shrimp, all seasoned beautifully for a delightful meal in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Grits
  • 1 cup Grits Use stone-ground for a smoother texture.
  • 4 cups Water For cooking the grits.
For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Or adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter For creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing.
  • 1/2 cup Onions, diced
  • 1/2 cup Bell peppers, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish

Method
 

Cook the Grits
  1. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add 1 cup of grits, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened for about 20-25 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of diced onions and 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, sautéing until softened.
Add Shrimp and Seasoning
  1. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook until the shrimp are pink and thoroughly cooked, about 3-5 minutes.
Serve
  1. Plate the creamy grits and top with the sautéed shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions for an added crunch and flavor.

Notes

Using stone-ground grits gives the best texture; avoid instant grits for a creamier consistency. For added flavor, use chicken broth instead of water for cooking the grits. The shrimp should be cooked until they are just pink; overcooking will make them rubbery. Season the grits well with salt; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Experiment with different peppers or add some hot sauce for a spicier kick. Keep the garnishes simple — green onions are a classic choice but consider adding crumbled bacon for extra flavor.