🔥🦐 Southern-Style Blackened Shrimp & Grits 🍽️
Smoky, spicy shrimp served over rich, creamy grits—this Southern-style classic is bold, comforting, and impossible to resist.
🦐 Southern-Style Blackened Shrimp and Grits
Looking to bring a little Southern comfort to your table? This Southern-Style Blackened Shrimp and Grits recipe is the ultimate combination of smoky heat, creamy texture, and bold flavor. 🧈🔥 Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a laid-back dinner, or simply craving something rich and satisfying, this dish delivers big on taste without complicated steps.
It starts with tender shrimp, generously coated in a homemade blackened seasoning blend that’s equal parts smoky, spicy, and savory. After a quick sear in a hot skillet, the shrimp develop that crave-worthy charred crust that locks in flavor. 🦐 Meanwhile, the grits cook low and slow until they’re silky-smooth—then we stir in butter, cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum comfort-food energy. 🧀
What makes this shrimp and grits recipe truly special is its balance of heat and creaminess. The spicy blackened shrimp contrast beautifully with the richness of the grits, creating a layered bite that’s both comforting and exciting. 🌶️
Even better, it comes together quickly and uses pantry-friendly ingredients, making it weeknight-friendly without sacrificing that restaurant-quality feel. Add a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of green onions, or even a poached egg on top—there’s plenty of room to make it your own.
So if you’re looking for a Southern-style shrimp and grits recipe that’s bold, buttery, and totally unforgettable, this one’s guaranteed to impress. Serve it hot and dig in—you’ve just found your new comfort food favorite. 🍽️
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🦐 Blackened Shrimp: Coated in bold Cajun spices and seared to perfection
🧈 Creamy Grits: Buttery, cheesy, and ultra-smooth
🌶️ Big Flavor: Spicy, smoky, and savory in every bite
🧄 Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples with Southern soul
⏱️ Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes
🍳 Versatile Meal: Perfect for brunch, dinner, or date night
🧺 Comfort Food Favorite: Cozy, filling, and deeply satisfying
🍋 Customizable: Add lemon, green onions, or a poached egg for a twist
👩🍳 How to Make Southern-Style Blackened Shrimp & Grits
Making this bold and comforting dish is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bring Southern flavor to your table:
🔥 Step 1: Make the Blackened Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Tip: Adjust the cayenne for more or less heat. 🌶️
🍤 Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry, then toss them in olive oil and coat with the blackened spice mix until fully covered.
🍳 Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, just until blackened and cooked through. Set aside.
🍚 Step 4: Cook the Grits
In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce to a simmer. Cook according to package instructions (usually 15–20 minutes), stirring often.
🧀 Step 5: Make Them Creamy
Once thickened, stir in butter, heavy cream (or milk), and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
🧂 Step 6: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper as needed. For extra richness, you can stir in a bit more butter or cheese. 😋
🍽️ Step 7: Assemble
Spoon the creamy grits into shallow bowls. Top with a generous helping of blackened shrimp.
🧑🍳 Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Finish with sliced green onions, a squeeze of lemon, or even a poached egg on top for extra flair. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Blackened Shrimp & Grits
Blackened shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that features shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of spices and cooked over high heat until blackened, served over creamy, cheesy grits. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For The Grits
2½ Cups Chicken Broth low sodium, divided- 1¼ Cups Milk fat free
- ¼ Cup Water
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Cup Grits stone ground
- ½ Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1½ oz Cheddar Cheese sharp,freshly grated, divided
- 1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
For the shrimp
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Thyme Dried
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Olive oil spray
- ⅛ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 24 Jumbo Shrimp Cleaned & Deviened
- 3 tbsp Green Onions sliced
- 1 Small Lime cut into wedges
Method
Spice Mix:
- Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl.½ tsp Paprika, ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper, ½ tsp Garlic powder, ½ tsp Thyme, ½ tsp Oregano, ¼ tsp Kosher Salt, ⅛ tsp Ground Black Pepper
Shrimp:
- Lightly oil the shrimp and coat them generously in the spice mix.24 Jumbo Shrimp
Grits:
- Bring broth, milk, water, and salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits and cook, covered, for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in butter, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan.2½ Cups Chicken Broth, 1¼ Cups Milk, ¼ Cup Water, 1 tsp Kosher Salt, 1 Cup Grits, ½ Tbsp Unsalted Butter, 1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
Cooking the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until opaque and spices are fragrant.1 Olive oil spray
Assembly:
- Divide grits among plates and top with cheddar cheese. Nestle cooked shrimp on top of grits. Deglaze the pan with broth, reduce by half, and drizzle over each plate. Garnish with scallions and serve with lime wedges.1½ oz Cheddar Cheese, 3 tbsp Green Onions, 1 Small Lime
Nutrition
Notes
Grits:
- Type of Grits: Stone-ground grits will take longer to cook (35-40 minutes) but have a nuttier flavor. Quick grits cook faster (5 minutes) but have a softer texture. Choose based on your preference.
- Creamy vs. Cheesy: This recipe uses butter and cheese for creaminess. For a lighter version, omit the cheese or use less. You can also add a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
- Adjusting Liquid: The amount of liquid needed for grits can vary depending on the type and brand. Start with the amount in the recipe and add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if the grits become too thick before they are cooked through.
- Don't overcrowd: Cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the shrimp.
- Watch the heat: Blackened seasoning can burn easily. Keep an eye on the pan and adjust the heat as needed to prevent the spices from burning.
- Shrimp size: Larger shrimp will take a few minutes longer to cook through than smaller shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Deglazing: The drippings in the pan from cooking the shrimp have a lot of flavor. Deglazing with broth helps loosen them up and creates a delicious pan sauce for your dish.
- Serving Temperature: Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy grits and the crispy shrimp.
- Substitutions: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use all cheddar cheese.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!🍽️ What to Serve with Blackened Shrimp and Grits
🥬 Fresh & Light Sides (to balance the richness)
Garlicky Collard Greens – Sautéed with garlic and a splash of vinegar
Southern-Style Green Beans – Stewed or sautéed with onions and bacon
Simple Arugula Salad – Light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy grits
Grilled Asparagus or Zucchini – Adds a crisp, charred element
🍞 Breads & Starchy Add-Ons
Skillet Cornbread – Buttery, crumbly, and perfect for soaking up the sauce
Buttermilk Biscuits – Fluffy and comforting alongside creamy grits
Fried Green Tomatoes – A tangy, crispy contrast to the soft texture of the grits
🥂 Drink Pairings
Sweet Tea or Lemonade – Southern classics that balance the heat
Sparkling Water with Lime – Keeps the palate refreshed
Crisp White Wine – Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
Spicy Bloody Mary – Especially great if serving for brunch
🍮 Dessert Ideas to Finish the Meal
Peach Cobbler – Warm, fruity, and a perfect Southern finish
Banana Pudding – Light, creamy, and nostalgic
Pecan Pie Bars – A sweet bite-size option for easy cleanup
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔥 What does “blackened” mean in this recipe?
“Blackened” refers to a cooking method where shrimp are coated in a bold spice mix—typically including paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano—then seared in a hot skillet. The high heat forms a charred, flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the shrimp juicy inside.
⏱️ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the grits ahead and reheat them with a splash of milk or broth. The shrimp are best cooked just before serving, but you can prep the spice mix and marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance.
🧈 What kind of grits should I use?
Stone-ground or quick-cooking grits both work well. Stone-ground grits offer more texture and flavor, while quick grits are great for saving time. Avoid instant grits for this recipe—they lack the creaminess needed to balance the bold shrimp.
🥶 Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Extra moisture can prevent them from searing properly and developing that classic blackened crust.
🌽 What goes well with shrimp and grits?
Try it with sautéed greens, skillet cornbread, or a fresh arugula salad. You can also check out our full list of what to serve with shrimp and grits for more pairing ideas.
🔄 Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—just substitute dairy-free butter and use a plant-based milk (like oat or almond) for the grits. For the cheese, use your favorite dairy-free shredded alternative or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
🌶️ How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy, thanks to cayenne and paprika in the seasoning. You can easily adjust the heat up or down to suit your taste. For extra fire, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.
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