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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
