Speedy Shrimp and Grits
Try this Speedy Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Try this Speedy Shrimp and Grits recipe.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 whole medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- sliced green onions for garnish
- 6 strips bacon chopped
- 5 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 3/4 cups quick cook grits
- 1-1/2 cup grated pepper jack cheese
- 1-1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup mascarpone softened
- 1-1/2 pound peeled and cleaned jumbo shrimp tails off
- 1 whole red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 whole jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
- several dashes hot sauce (i use cholula)
- 1/2 whole lemon juiced
- Carbohydrate 3.1341687505642 g
- Cholesterol 41.602083342054 mg
- Fat 14.9971562536349 g
- Fiber 0.678479145544635 g
- Protein 1.64453750008073 g
- Saturated Fat 8.70021916883128 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (55g)
- Sodium 132.525095507629 mg
- Sugar 2.45568960501956 g
- Trans Fat 1.55448104191691 g
- Calories 150 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring 3 cups of the chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan.
- Slowly stir in the grits.
- Return to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Turn down the heat and stir in the pepper jack, Cheddar and mascarpone.
- Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of the butter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm.
- Heat the remaining 2 cups stock in a separate saucepan until hot.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and some salt and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside. (The shrimp will finish cooking in the sauce.)
- Add the bacon, onion, red pepper and jalapeno to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook over high heat until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the hot stock and add hot sauce to taste.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet with any juices that have accumulated.
- Cook until the shrimp are just cooked through, another 2 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- To serve, spoon the shrimp and sauce over the grits and garnish with scallions.
Speedy Shrimp and Grits: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present laundry mountain. That's why I've come to rely on recipes that are quick, easy, and surprisingly impressive. This Speedy Shrimp and Grits recipe is my absolute go-to for those evenings when I need a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The creamy grits provide a comforting base, while the succulent shrimp and vibrant vegetables add a burst of flavor and texture. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and culinary sophistication. I often adapt this recipe to whatever vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I add a handful of spinach at the end for an extra nutritional boost, other times I'll use asparagus or zucchini. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
The Grits: A Creamy Foundation
The creamy texture of the grits is key to this recipe’s success. I prefer using quick-cooking grits for convenience, but feel free to experiment with stone-ground grits if you have more time. The blend of pepper jack, cheddar, and mascarpone cheese creates a rich and flavorful base that’s both savory and slightly decadent. The addition of butter adds a touch of richness and complements the other flavors beautifully.
The Shrimp: A Star Ingredient
Jumbo shrimp are the perfect choice for this recipe, as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. I love using Cajun seasoning for a touch of spice, but you can certainly customize this to your preference. Whether you like a little kick or prefer a milder flavor, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. The key is to not overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
The Sauce: A Flavor Explosion
The sauce is what brings this dish together. The combination of bacon, onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño creates a savory and slightly spicy base. The tomato paste adds depth and richness, while the hot sauce provides a delightful kick. I always use Cholula hot sauce, but any hot sauce you prefer will work perfectly. The sauce is simmered until it thickens slightly, coating the shrimp and grits beautifully.
Serving and Enjoying
Once everything is cooked, it’s simply a matter of spooning the shrimp and sauce over the grits. I like to garnish with some sliced green onions for a touch of freshness and color. This dish is best served immediately, while the grits are still warm and creamy, and the shrimp are perfectly tender.
This Speedy Shrimp and Grits recipe has quickly become a weeknight staple in my household. It’s a crowd-pleaser that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become one of your go-to meals as well. Don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or hot sauces to create your own unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Weeknight: A Versatile Dish
While this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, it's also versatile enough for a weekend brunch or a casual dinner party. The flavors are sophisticated enough to impress guests, yet the preparation is simple enough to allow you to enjoy the company of your friends and family. Consider serving this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
I often double the recipe on weekends, making enough for leftovers. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making this recipe even more convenient. You can reheat the grits and shrimp in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
A Recipe for Connection
More than just a delicious meal, this recipe represents a connection to my family and my heritage. It's a dish that brings people together, sharing laughter and conversation around a table filled with warmth and good food. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time to slow down, savor a good meal, and connect with those we love.
