Craving a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated? Look no further than Mr. B's Shrimp and Grits! This recipe elevates the classic Southern comfort food to new heights, offering a delicious and surprisingly easy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen – but we promise, it’s much quicker than that!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings of this healthy meal.
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish (optional):
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preparing the Grits:
- Bring the water (or broth) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent clumping.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the grits are creamy and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remember, stone-ground grits take a little longer than quick-cooking grits.
- Stir in the butter, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Keep warm.
Cooking the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Don't overcook!
- If using, add the white wine and let it simmer for a minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Dish:
- Spoon the creamy grits onto plates.
- Top with the sautéed shrimp and garnish with green onions and Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Grits:
- Use good quality grits: Stone-ground grits provide a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your preference.
- Make it ahead: The grits can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp and Grits: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp for extra heat.
- Andouille Sausage Shrimp and Grits: Add 1/2 pound of sliced andouille sausage to the shrimp during cooking for a smoky flavor.
- Cheesy Shrimp and Grits: Add more cheese to the grits, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
- Creamy Tomato Shrimp and Grits: Stir in a 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce to the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This recipe is a delicious and relatively healthy meal, packed with protein and flavor. Enjoy this easy recipe and the delicious homemade cooking experience! It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for any occasion. Consider this one of the best recipes you’ll ever try!