Creole-Spiced Gulf Shrimp and Grits
Creamy grits topped with Gulf shrimp sautéed in a bold Creole spice blend and buttery garlic sauce. This Southern-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs Stone-ground grits, Water, Salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 tsp Salt
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 lb Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp Creole seasoning
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt 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: Remove grits from heat and stir in 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until creamy and melted. Keep warm.
- Step 3: While grits cook, toss 1 lb Gulf shrimp with 2 tsp Creole seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped green onions, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Cook for 1 additional minute.
- Step 7: Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the Creole-spiced shrimp mixture. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creole-Spiced Gulf Shrimp and Grits take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creole-Spiced Gulf Shrimp and Grits?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creole-Spiced Gulf Shrimp and Grits?
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 Creole-Spiced Gulf Shrimp and Grits 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 Creole-Spiced Gulf Shrimp and Grits?
Southern 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.
