This tasty dish features spicy blackened shrimp served over creamy, cheesy grits. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The blend of flavors is just irresistible.
I love how the shrimp packs a punch with its spices, while the grits are all about being creamy and smooth. It’s a perfect mix that feels like comfort food made fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp is ideal for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken or even firm tofu for a plant-based option. Just be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly!
Spices: The spice mix is key to the blackened shrimp’s flavor. If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but it won’t have that smoky taste. If you want more heat, you can increase the cayenne or add a pinch of chili powder.
Grits: Stone-ground grits are the best for a rich texture, but instant grits can work in a pinch. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor in the grits.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick in the grits. Feel free to swap it for pepper jack for an even spicier kick, or a milder cheese like Monterey Jack if preferred.
How Do I Get Shrimp Perfectly Blackened Without Burning It?
Blackening shrimp gives them a beautiful color and flavor, but it can be tricky. The key is to use high heat and to not overcrowd the skillet. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the skillet until it’s very hot. A cast iron skillet is perfect but any heavy pan will do.
- Add just a little oil; too much can cause splattering and burning.
- Cook shrimp in batches if necessary, giving them space to get that nice blackened crust. About 2 minutes per side is usually enough.
Once they are cooked through, immediate removal from the heat is important to avoid drying them out!
Blackened Shrimp And Cheesy Grits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
For the Cheesy Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
- 2-3 green onions, sliced thinly
- Optional: hot sauce or additional butter for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes on prep work—seasoning the shrimp and cooking the grits—and then about 15-20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a satisfying meal that’s quick to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This flavorful blend will give your shrimp that characteristic blackened taste!
2. Season the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle the spice mix all over the shrimp. Make sure they’re nicely coated on all sides for maximum flavor!
3. Cook the Grits:
In a medium saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits to avoid lumps. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring often until the grits are thick and creamy.
4. Finish the Grits:
Once the grits are ready, remove them from the heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends in beautifully. Add salt to taste, making these grits rich and cheesy!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If needed, add a little oil or butter to the pan. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until they’re blackened and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they get that perfect crust.
6. Assemble the Dish:
Spoon generous portions of cheesy grits onto each plate or bowl. Top each serving with the blackened shrimp, ensuring you arrange them nicely for presentation.
7. Garnish:
Finish it off by sprinkling sliced green onions over the top of the shrimp and grits. If you like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce or melted butter over everything for extra flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the blackened shrimp and cheesy grits immediately while hot. Enjoy this comforting southern classic that’s bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or to place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning.
What If I Don’t Have Stone-Ground Grits?
Don’t worry! Instant or quick-cooking grits can be used instead. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as they cook much faster than stone-ground grits.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix or add a pinch of chili powder. You can also serve with a spicy hot sauce drizzled on top for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy texture of the grits.
