Shrimp and Grits

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

Creamy stone-ground grits topped with succulent shrimp and a smoky cheese sauce, finished with a hint of bourbon. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 55 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, peeled and deveined shrimp 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and celery over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add shrimp, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for 3 minutes until opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in smoked gouda and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add bourbon and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
  4. Step 4: Fold shrimp mixture into grits, then serve immediately with additional cheese and bourbon on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Shrimp and Grits take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 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 Shrimp and 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 stone-ground grits from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 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.

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