Carolina-Style Shrimp and Grits with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Creamy stone-ground grits topped with sautéed shrimp in a tangy and spicy tomato sauce inspired by the North Carolina coast. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes blends stone-ground grits, water, milk into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 cup milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the grits. Keep warm on very low heat.
- Step 3: While grits cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
- Step 8: Spoon the creamy cheese grits onto plates and top with the spicy tomato shrimp mixture. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Carolina-Style Shrimp and Grits with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Carolina-Style Shrimp and Grits with Spicy Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Carolina-Style Shrimp and Grits with Spicy Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Carolina-Style Shrimp and Grits with Spicy Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Carolina-Style Shrimp and Grits with Spicy Tomato Sauce?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
