Buttery Shrimp Over Creamy Stone-Ground Grits
Ingredients
- 1 cupstone-ground cornmeal
- 4 cupschicken broth
- 4 tablespoonbutter
- ½ cupsharp cheddar cheese
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- 1 poundlarge shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ·yellow onion
- ·garlic
- 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ½ cupchicken broth
- 2 sprigsfresh thyme
- ·lemon
Prep
- 01
Peel and devein 1 pound large shrimp if not already done.
- 02
Dice 1 medium yellow onion.
- 03
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 04
Cut 1 lemon into wedges for serving.
Method
- 01
Bring 4 cups chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low.
- 02
Simmer the grits for 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently, until very thick and creamy. Stir in 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- 03
While the grits cook, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- 04
Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until pink and cooked through.
- 06
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and add 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Simmer for 1 minute to bring the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 07
Divide the creamy grits among shallow bowls. Spoon the shrimp and pan sauce over the top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each serving and serve hot.
Spice Tips
For deeper heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. For a touch of sweetness and smokiness, stir 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika into the grits themselves. A sprinkle of fresh scallions or parsley brightens the finish.
For a silkier grits, use half broth and half whole milk or heavy cream. The shrimp cooks quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start the final steps.