Smoked Shrimp and Heirloom Grits
A Southern comfort dish featuring locally sourced smoked shrimp and creamy heirloom grits, finished with a tangy green onion and cheese sauce. This southern-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 45 minutes pairs smoked shrimp, heirloom grits, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked shrimp
- 1 cup heirloom grits
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup heirloom grits and 1 tsp kosher salt; reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until creamy, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: In a separate skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped green onions and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Whisk 1 cup whole milk into the grits mixture until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese until melted and thickened.
- Step 4: Fold in 12 oz smoked shrimp, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and additional salt to taste.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Shrimp and Heirloom Grits take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Smoked Shrimp and Heirloom 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 smoked shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Shrimp and Heirloom 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 Smoked Shrimp and Heirloom 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 Smoked Shrimp and Heirloom Grits?
Southern bbq & smoked 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
