Description
This Healthy Shrimp and Grits recipe is a delicious, lighter twist on a Southern favorite. Made with wholesome ingredients, creamy whole-grain grits, and perfectly seasoned shrimp, it’s a comforting yet nutritious dish that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground or whole-grain grits
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or light butter substitute)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Grits: In a saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat, and stir often for 20–25 minutes until creamy. Add milk, olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant. Toss in shrimp, season with paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Squeeze lemon juice on top.
- Assemble: Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with shrimp, and garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Whisk grits slowly into boiling liquid to prevent clumping.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Keep shrimp and grits stored separately to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes