Seared Coastal Shrimp with Spicy Georgia Grits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp seared with garlic and smoked paprika, served atop creamy, spicy stone-ground grits inspired by Georgia’s coastal flavors. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and salt to taste into the cooked grits. Keep warm.
  3. Step 3: While grits cook, season 1 lb peeled shrimp with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight sear.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the spicy cheddar grits onto plates and top with the seared shrimp. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Coastal Shrimp with Spicy Georgia Grits take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Seared Coastal Shrimp with Spicy Georgia Grits?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Coastal Shrimp with Spicy Georgia 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 Seared Coastal Shrimp with Spicy Georgia 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 Seared Coastal Shrimp with Spicy Georgia 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.

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