The grits in this Blackened Shrimp and Grits recipe is creamy and cheesy, inspired by my trip to Florida's Gulf Coast.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 1/4 cups fat free milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup quick cooking grits, not instant
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil spray
- 24 Jumbo shrimp, about 1 lb cleaned and deviened
- 3 tablespoons scallions, sliced
- lime wedges, for serving
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper and mix to blend.
- Spritz the shrimp with oil on both sides and rub all over.
- Coat the shrimp with the spice mix.
- In a medium size pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth, milk, water and salt to a boil, careful it doesn't boil over. Slowly stir in the grits and stir continuously until the grits are well mixed.
- Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover with a fitted lid and simmer for approximately 28 to 30 minutes, stirring after the first 5 minutes then again occasionally to prevent the grits from sticking on the bottom; adding more water if necessary.
- The grits should have a smooth consistency similar to cream of wheat.
- Stir in the butter and 1 ounce of the cheddar and the Parmesan cheese, remove the grits from the heat and keep warm.
- Just before the grits are done, heat a large cast-iron skillet with the olive oil over medium-high.
- Add the shrimp, and cook until the spices are darkened and aromatic, and the shrimp is opaque, about 2 minutes per side.
- Divide the grits among 4 plates and top with remaining cheddar cheese, then nestle the shrimp on top.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup broth to the skillet to deglaze the pan and cook about 1 minute over medium heat until it reduces by half, drizzle over each plate.
- Garnish the whole dish with the scallions. Serve immediately with lime wedges for serving.