Crispy Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

March 28, 2017

Hello everyone! I am back today with a delicious new recipe that I am craving right this second as I am typing out this recipe post from my bed.  This has got to be one of the most flavorful dishes I have ever made. Shrimp and grits can be made many many different ways, and will probably almost always be delicious, but I think by frying the shrimp I was able to kick this dish up a few extra notches and I am not even mad at that.  I love how simple yet significant this dish is; if you want to impress whoever is lucky enough to eat this dish, you MUST make this shrimp and grits recipe ASAP. 

Ingredients {Serves 2}: 

12 Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined
1/4 Cup Self-Rising Flour
1/2 Cup of Oil for Frying {I used avocado oil}
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Quaker Oats Quick 5 Minute Grits
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 Cup Extra Sharp Cheddar
1/3 Cup Chopped Red Pepper
3-4 Green Onions, Chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Lemon Pepper 
1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
Juice from 1/2 Lemon
2 Tablespoons Half and Half
Salt and Pepper to Taste



{In a large bowl, season your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.}


{Add the flour and mix well, coating each shrimp.  Pro tip: use self-rising flour when frying, the baking powder creates an extra crispy coating.}  


{In a skillet over medium heat, fry your shrimp in an oil of your choice. Be careful not to have the heat too high - you don't want to burn them. They should cook for about 3-4 minutes total, depending on the size.  Once they are golden brown, remove them immediately.}


{Set your golden, crispy shrimp aside in a warm spot on the stove while you cook your cheesy grits.}


{In a small pot with a lid, add your water and milk and bring to a simmer over low heat.  Be careful not to boil it too rapidly or you will have a mess on the stove. Once the milk mixture starts to simmer, stir in your grits.}


{Stir the grits constantly for a minute or two until they begin to thicken.  Reduce the heat to as low as it will go, cover and allow your grits to slowly cook.  Stir them every minute or so to prevent any lumps.}


{After about 10 minutes, your grits should be perfect. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir.}


{And finally the cheese!}


{Now it's time to make the savory sauce that will bring this dish together.  In 1 tablespoon of butter, and over medium heat, sauté your chopped red pepper and green onions until softened, about 3 minutes.}


{These are the two seasonings used in this dish.  They added the perfect amount of savory goodness.  If you have never tried this  "The Gourmet Collection" brand of spice blends, I highly recommend them.  The combinations of flavors are pure perfection! In addition to finding them on Amazon {of course!} I have also seen them in TJ Maxx and HomeGoods.}


{Add your spices to the softened peppers and onions and mix well.}


{Add in the chicken broth.}


{And then the fresh lemon juice.}


{Let this bubble over low heat for a minute to two.}



{Finally, add the half and half and stir.  Taste for salt and pepper and season, if needed.  This should cook for a minute more; the half and half with thicken the sauce a bit! }


{In a pretty bowl, add your creamy cheesy grits and the crispy shrimp.}


{Spoon your savory, lemony, peppery creamy sauce over the shrimp. YES!!}


{The combination of flavors and textures is out of this entire world! My husband enjoyed this so much he even said it tasted like it was from a restaurant. My response? "Well lucky for you, your wife can throw down!!" hehehe!}

xoxo, thanks for reading!