This dish features spicy blackened shrimp served on creamy, cheesy grits. It’s a cozy combination that will warm your heart and tickle your taste buds!
Honestly, what’s not to love? The shrimp is snappy and full of flavor, while the grits are rich and smooth. I could eat this every day, and you might want to too! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grits: Stone-ground grits are best for a creamy texture, but quick-cooking grits can work in a pinch. If you can’t find grits, you could try polenta, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are preferred here, but feel free to use smaller ones if that’s what you have. If you need a non-seafood option, chicken or firm tofu can be seasoned similarly and cooked just as well.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is great for flavor, but you could use Monterey Jack or even a vegan cheese if you’re looking to keep it dairy-free.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a great smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika can be used with a touch of liquid smoke. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on how spicy you like it!
How Do I Get My Shrimp Perfectly Blackened?
Blackening shrimp is all about high heat and a good seasoning mix. First, ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve that nice crust. Here’s how:
- Heat your cast-iron skillet until very hot, about 5 minutes—this is key.
- Coat the shrimp in oil, then sprinkle on the seasoning generously.
- Place shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan—this helps them blacken evenly.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, waiting for that lovely crust to form before flipping.
The high heat will allow the spices to create a delicious char while keeping the shrimp juicy. Enjoy the exciting flavors that come out of this simple technique!
Blackened Shrimp And Cheesy Grits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheesy Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water (or a mix of water and milk for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need roughly 10-15 minutes for the grits and about 10 minutes to prepare and cook the shrimp. It’s a quick and delicious meal that packs a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheesy Grits:
Start by bringing 4 cups of water and the teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the grits are thick and tender, which will take about 20-25 minutes. Stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with black pepper to taste, and keep warm on low heat.
2. Prepare the Blackened Seasoning:
While the grits are cooking, mix your blackened seasoning. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend will give your shrimp that fantastic flavor.
3. Season the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil or melted butter to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning over the shrimp, making sure to mix well so all the shrimp are generously coated.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Carefully place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Allow them to cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re blackened and cooked through. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
5. Assemble the Dish:
To serve, spoon a hearty portion of cheesy grits onto each plate. Top with the delicious blackened shrimp, and drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and, if you’d like, a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
6. Serve Immediately:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it up while everything is warm and creamy, and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures!
Can I Use Instant Grits Instead of Stone-Ground Grits?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as instant grits will cook much faster than stone-ground grits. You may need to adjust the liquid ratio, too, so keep an eye on the consistency.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you enjoy heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix! You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the grits or curry powder to the shrimp for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go to avoid overwhelming the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the grits and shrimp gently on the stove, adding a touch of water or milk to the grits to help revive their creaminess.
Can I Prepare the Grits Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the grits ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them on the stove with a little water or milk to bring back their creamy texture before serving with the blackened shrimp.