Heirloom Grits with Smoked Shrimp and Tomato Jam
Creamy stone-ground grits infused with local heirloom corn, topped with succulent smoked shrimp and a smoky tomato jam. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs Stone-ground grits, Water, Smoked shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 3 cups Water
- 6 oz Smoked shrimp
- 1/4 cup Smoked tomato jam
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Fresh chives
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 3 cups water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until thickened and creamy.
- Step 2: While grits cook, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, add 6 oz smoked shrimp, and cook for 3 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir 1/4 cup smoked tomato jam into the cooked grits, then season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Divide grits into bowls, top with smoked shrimp and 2 tbsp fresh chives, and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Heirloom Grits with Smoked Shrimp and Tomato Jam take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Heirloom Grits with Smoked Shrimp and Tomato Jam?
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 Heirloom Grits with Smoked Shrimp and Tomato Jam?
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 Heirloom Grits with Smoked Shrimp and Tomato Jam for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Heirloom Grits with Smoked Shrimp and Tomato Jam?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect seafood recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
