Shrimp And Grits Recipe: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Comfort Food!

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Shrimp and grits have a way of turning any meal into something memorable, and for Valentine’s Day, this Southern classic feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The creamy, buttery grits and smoky, seasoned shrimp create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent—perfect for a cozy, romantic dinner at home.

With roots in Southern coastal cuisine, shrimp and grits blend simplicity with sophistication, making it a versatile option for Valentine’s.

The shrimp are perfectly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a hint of spice, while the grits are silky and rich, thanks to a touch of cream and sharp cheddar. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.

For a well-rounded spread, serve this alongside Chicken Kabobs to add variety and flavor. This dish is a love letter to Southern cooking and the perfect way to celebrate your special someone.

Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?

• Comfort Meets Simplicity: Making this dish feels like giving yourself a warm hug, and it comes together in under an hour.
• Customizable: I’ve played with add-ins like andouille sausage or diced tomatoes—each twist keeps it exciting.
• Weeknight-Friendly: Grits cook up fast, and shrimp are ready in minutes. Perfect for busy days when you still crave something special.
• Impressive Yet Effortless: Guests always think I’ve spent hours cooking when, in reality, it’s a breeze to prepare.
• A Nutritional Win: Shrimp packs a protein punch without loading up on calories, making this dish both satisfying and smart.

Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Indulge in a comforting plate of Shrimp and Grits with creamy, cheesy grits and savory shrimp in a flavorful sauce. The grits, cooked to perfection, are topped with plump shrimp, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for a hearty dinner.

4.20 from 5 votes

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Course: Main Course

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Calories: 460kcal

Author: Austin Carter

Servings: 4 people

Equipment

• ▢
  Large Skillet For sautéing the vegetables and cooking the shrimp.
• ▢
  Pot with Lid To boil water and cook the grits.
• ▢
  Stirring Utensil For stirring and combining ingredients, especially when preparing the grits.
• ▢
  Measuring Utensils To accurately measure ingredients like salt, flour, and butter.
• ▢
  Cutting Board and Knife For chopping onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes.
• ▢
  Saucepan (optional) If making shrimp stock, a saucepan will be useful.

Ingredients

For the Grits

• ▢ 3/4 cup Grits
• ▢ 1/4 tbsp Salt
• ▢ 6 ounces Cheddar cheese grated

For the Shrimp:

• ▢ 4 tbsp Butter
• ▢ 3/4 tbsp Chopped Onion
• ▢ 1/2 cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes with a bit of their juice canned tomatoes work well
• ▢ 1/2 tbsp Dried Thyme
• ▢ 1 tbsp Flour
• ▢ 1 pound medium to large raw shrimp shelled (save shells for stock)
• ▢ 1/2 to 1 cup Shrimp Stock see note
• ▢ 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• ▢ 1/3 cup Heavy Cream
• ▢ 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• ▢ 2 Dashes Tabasco
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley

Instructions

Step 1 – Grits:

• Bring 3½ cups water to a boil, then stir in the grits.
  
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until grits are tender and liquid is absorbed.
  
• Remove from heat, add salt, cheese, and butter. Stir until melted. Keep warm.

Step 2 – Shrimp:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  
• Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic until softened (about 3 minutes).
• Add tomatoes, thyme, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  
• Sprinkle with flour, stir well. Add shrimp, stir until they turn pink (about 2 minutes).
• Add ½ cup stock, cook for 2-3 minutes. Add tomato paste, stir until blended.
  
• Add cream, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and more stock if needed for a spoonable sauce. Heat thoroughly, avoid boiling. Taste for salt.
  

Step 3:

• Place a portion of grits in the center of each plate.
• Spoon shrimp over or around the grits.
• Sprinkle with parsley.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 260mg | Sodium: 930mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 2.5mg

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• Use Stone-Ground Grits for Flavor and Texture
  Opt for stone-ground grits instead of instant or quick-cooking varieties. They have a more authentic, rich flavor and a creamy texture when cooked properly. Soak them briefly before cooking to reduce cooking time and ensure creaminess.
• Make a Flavorful Shrimp Stock
  Save the shrimp shells to create a homemade shrimp stock. Simmer them with onion, garlic, and herbs for about 15-20 minutes. This adds depth and enhances the shrimp’s flavor in the dish.
• Cook the Grits Slowly and Stir Frequently
  To achieve creamy grits, cook them on low heat and stir often. This prevents clumping and ensures a velvety texture. Add extra liquid (like milk or cream) towards the end if needed for ultra-smooth results.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
  Shrimp cook quickly—just 2-3 minutes on medium heat is enough once they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove them from heat promptly.
• Balance the Sauce for Perfect Flavor
  Taste and adjust the sauce as you go. Worcestershire, Tabasco, and tomato paste bring savory depth but balance them with creaminess from the heavy cream and brightness from fresh parsley at the end.

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