Shrimp and Avocado Grits

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

Creamy Southern-style grits topped with succulent shrimp and fresh avocado for a luxurious twist on a classic dish. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs grits, whole milk, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk 1/2 cup grits, 1 cup whole milk, and 1/4 cup butter over medium heat until thickened and creamy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently.
  2. Step 2: In a separate skillet, sauté 12 oz shrimp in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until pink and opaque, 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix diced avocado, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Fold into the cooked grits.
  4. Step 4: Top with cooked shrimp and garnish with additional chives.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Shrimp and Avocado Grits take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Shrimp and Avocado 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 Shrimp and Avocado 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 Shrimp and Avocado 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 Shrimp and Avocado 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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