Creole-Spiced Shrimp and Grits Skillet

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty skillet dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp tossed in a smoky Creole spice blend, perfect for a flavorful brunch. This southern american-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 40 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 3 Southern American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  2. Step 2: Stir 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the grits until melted and creamy; keep warm.
  3. Step 3: While grits cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 12 oz peeled shrimp with 1 tbsp Creole seasoning.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the seasoned shrimp. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped green onions.
  6. Step 6: Serve the shrimp over the cheesy grits for a satisfying brunch plate bursting with Creole flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creole-Spiced Shrimp and Grits Skillet 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 Shrimp and Grits Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creole-Spiced Shrimp and Grits Skillet?

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 Shrimp and Grits Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Shrimp and Grits Skillet?

Southern American tacos & burritos 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.

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