Southern Grits with Smoked Shrimp
Creamy, stone-ground grits topped with plump smoked shrimp, crispy green onions, and a hint of smoked cheese. This southern-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes pairs grits, water, smoked shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 4 cups grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 lb smoked shrimp
- 1/2 cup, crumbled smoked Gouda
- 1/2 cup, chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Gradually whisk in 4 cups grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in 1/4 cup milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped green onions and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix 1 lb smoked shrimp with 1/2 cup crumbled smoked Gouda. Spoon grits into serving bowls, top with shrimp mixture, and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Southern Grits with Smoked Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Southern Grits with Smoked Shrimp?
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 grits from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Southern Grits with Smoked Shrimp?
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 Southern Grits with Smoked Shrimp 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 Southern Grits with Smoked Shrimp?
Southern quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
