Savor the flavor of Zesty Shrimp and Grits with this easy recipe! Perfectly creamy grits paired with succulent shrimp cooked in a zesty blend of spices and fresh veggies make for a delightful meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's the ideal dish for any occasion. Don't miss out on making this delicious recipe - click through now to explore the full details and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 small red bell pepper, diced into small cubes
1 small jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for milder flavor)
Zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
![For this dish, I love using stone-ground grits. They have a rich texture and flavor. The cooking time is longer, but the taste is worth it. You will need one cup of these grits for a creamy base. Next, let’s talk about the shrimp. I recommend using one pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors well. Olive oil and butter are essential for sautéing the shrimp. The oil adds a nice taste, while the butter gives it a rich, creamy feel. You need one tablespoon of each. Now, for the fresh veggies! Garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño bring brightness to the dish. Use two cloves of garlic, one small red bell pepper, and one small jalapeño. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño. They add color and flavor that makes this dish pop. Lime zest and lime juice take this dish to the next level. They add a fresh zing that balances the richness of the grits and shrimp. You will need the zest of one lime and two tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Smoked paprika and ground cumin are key for seasoning. The smoked paprika gives a warm flavor, while cumin adds depth. You only need one teaspoon of each for a perfect taste. To finish, I suggest garnishing with green onions and parsley. These add a bright color and fresh taste to the dish. Use two green onions, thinly sliced, and a handful of chopped parsley. This makes your Zesty Shrimp and Grits look as good as they taste. For the complete cooking details, check the Full Recipe. To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This step is key for tasty grits. Next, slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits. Whisking helps prevent clumps. Reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it smooth. For a creamy texture, add salt and pepper toward the end. This step ensures the grits sing with flavor. While the grits simmer, we can cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. Then, add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic, 1 small diced red bell pepper, and the minced jalapeño. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes. The veggies should be soft but still crisp. Now, season the shrimp. Use 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, the zest from 1 lime, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Once the grits are ready, stir them to a smooth consistency. Spoon the creamy grits into serving bowls. Top generously with the zesty shrimp mixture. For presentation, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor and freshness. For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe]. To make your Zesty Shrimp and Grits shine, consider adding spices. Fresh thyme or oregano can boost the flavor. For a kick, add more jalapeño or use a hotter pepper. If you want a richer taste, try using vegetable or seafood broth instead of chicken broth. This small change adds depth to each bite. Cooking shrimp perfectly is key. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp. This helps them sear well, giving a nice texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this steams shrimp rather than browning them. To keep your grits smooth, whisk them well as you cook. If you see lumps, stir them out. Start with boiling water or broth and add grits slowly while stirring. This helps prevent clumps. When cooking both grits and shrimp, time is crucial. Start the grits first since they take longer. While they simmer, prepare the shrimp. This way, both will be hot and ready at the same time. For the complete method, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can switch up the shrimp for other proteins. Scallops or fish work well here. They add a nice twist. Just make sure to cook them carefully. If you want a vegetarian option, mushrooms or tofu are great choices. They soak up flavors and add texture. Use firm tofu for the best bite. You can even try adding sausage for more heartiness. A smoked sausage gives a nice kick. For extra heat, add hot sauce or smoked sausage. Both options bring bold flavors to the dish. Citrus zest changes the taste too. Try using lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables. Spinach or zucchini can brighten your plate. This adds color and nutrients. Experimenting with different veggies can make each meal unique. To keep your shrimp and grits fresh, store them in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent air from getting in. This helps keep the flavors strong. Leftovers will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing them. Just know that freezing may change the texture. When reheating, your main goal is to keep the texture nice. I suggest using the stove for the best results. Simply add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Heat on low and stir often. You can also use the microwave. Make sure to cover the dish to keep moisture in. If you choose the oven, cover it with foil to avoid drying out. To avoid rubbery shrimp, don’t overheat them. Just heat until warm throughout, and you’ll enjoy your zesty dish again! For Zesty Shrimp and Grits, I recommend using stone-ground grits. They have a rich, creamy texture and a deep corn flavor. Instant grits cook quickly but often lack that authentic taste. Stone-ground grits take longer to cook, but the flavor is worth the wait. They create a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Yes, you can prepare many parts ahead of time. Cook the grits and store them in the fridge. You can also sauté the shrimp and veggies in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat everything together. This way, you save time and still enjoy a fresh meal. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a nice crunch. For a Southern twist, consider collard greens or fried green tomatoes. These sides will balance the flavors and make your meal complete. Yes, Zesty Shrimp and Grits is gluten-free. All the ingredients used, like stone-ground grits and shrimp, do not contain gluten. Just ensure that any broth you use is labeled gluten-free. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Zesty Shrimp and Grits is a delightful dish with simple ingredients and bold flavors. We covered the main components, like stone-ground grits, fresh shrimp, and vibrant veggies. I shared tips on cooking techniques and ways to adjust flavors to your taste. Remember, you can switch proteins and add spices for unique twists. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, and reheating carefully helps maintain texture. Enjoy this dish hot and fresh for the best experience. Dive into your kitchen and make this meal your own!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cb1168a9-8606-4cd2-8057-c6a1384a05e1-250x250.webp)