Are you craving a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated? Look no further than this Tupelo honey shrimp and grits recipe! This easy recipe delivers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, showcasing the rich taste of shrimp perfectly complemented by the creamy texture of stone-ground grits. It's the perfect healthy meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This quick dinner idea is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and offers a delicious twist on classic Southern cuisine.
Ingredients: You'll Need These
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous homemade cooking session.
-
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup Tupelo honey (or regular honey)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
-
For the Grits:
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This recipe is designed for straightforward execution, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
1. Prepare the Grits:
Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and thickened. Stir in butter and cheese (if using). Keep warm.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the grits simmer, melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Create the Sauce:
Stir in the Tupelo honey, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
4. Combine and Serve:
Spoon the creamy grits onto plates. Top with the sautéed shrimp and its delicious honey-lemon sauce. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations for Delicious Dishes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the grits, such as Parmesan or Gruyere.
- Add some chopped bacon or andouille sausage to the shrimp for a richer flavor.
- If you don’t have Tupelo honey, regular honey works perfectly well.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Tupelo Honey Shrimp and Grits recipe is a fantastic example of a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the creamy grits, creates a truly satisfying and memorable meal. Enjoy!