
In this Blackened Shrimp and Grits recipe, the grits are rich and velvety, with a delightful cheesy flavor, drawing inspiration from my travels along Florida's Gulf Coast.
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In a small mixing bowl, blend together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Lightly spray the shrimp on both sides with oil and ensure they are evenly coated.
Dredge the shrimp in the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is fully covered.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth, milk, water, and salt to a rolling boil, taking care to prevent it from overflowing. Gradually whisk in the grits, stirring continuously until they are thoroughly incorporated.
Once boiling, lower the heat to the minimum setting, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 28 to 30 minutes. Stir after the first 5 minutes and then occasionally thereafter to avoid sticking, adding extra water if needed.
The finished grits should have a creamy texture akin to that of cream of wheat.
Mix in the butter along with 1 ounce of cheddar and the Parmesan cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and keep it warm.
Just before the grits finish cooking, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until the spices deepen in color and become fragrant, and the shrimp turn opaque, roughly 2 minutes on each side.
Portion the grits onto 4 plates and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, then place the shrimp on each serving.
Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of broth into the skillet to deglaze, cooking for about 1 minute over medium heat until it reduces by half, then drizzle this sauce over each plate.
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of scallions on top. Serve immediately, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra zing.