Spiced Southern Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage
Creamy grits topped with spicy sautéed shrimp and smoky andouille sausage, a classic Southern comfort meal. This southern united states-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 12 pieces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Step 2: Remove grits from heat and stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, then cover and keep warm.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 oz sliced andouille sausage and sauté for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 12 large peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in the cooked andouille sausage, 2 tbsp chopped green onions, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, tossing to combine.
- Step 6: Spoon the cheesy grits onto plates and top with the spiced shrimp and andouille sausage mixture for a hearty Southern dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Southern Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Spiced Southern Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?
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 Spiced Southern Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?
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 Spiced Southern Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spiced Southern Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?
Southern United States 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.
