Shrimp & Grits

Capture the spirit of Louisiana’s culinary delights with our flavorful Shrimp & Grits recipe. This quick and easy rendition brings the authentic taste of a beloved restaurant dish right to your dinner table. Perfect for those evenings when you crave a delicious meal without the hassle, these Shrimp & Grits are your ticket to a savory and satisfying experience. Here’s how to bring this Southern classic to life:

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time (shrimp): 5–7 minutes

Cooking Time (grits): 13–14 minutes

Total Time: 33–36 minutes

Gluten-Free Delight: Enjoy the incredible flavors of this dish without gluten concerns.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound raw shelled shrimp, deveined (26–30 count or smaller)

Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

For the Grits:

• ¾ cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
• 3 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Marinating the Shrimp: Start by stirring together all the marinade ingredients. Pour this flavorful marinade over the shrimp and set it aside to infuse.
2. Preparing the Grits: In a saucepan on the stovetop, bring 3 cups of water and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil. Stir in the quick-cooking grits, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the grits are thick and perfectly done.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables: Place butter, chopped green bell pepper, chopped celery, and chopped onion in the air fryer baking pan. Cook these at 390°F for 2 minutes, then stir. Continue cooking for an additional 6 or 7 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Enhancing the Grits: Stir in oregano and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning into the cooked vegetables. Add the prepared grits and grated sharp Cheddar cheese. Cook this mixture at 390°F for 1 minute. Give it a good stir, then continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and blends into the mixture.
5. Keeping Warm: Remove the baking pan from the air fryer and cover it with a plate to keep the grits warm while you cook the shrimp.
6. Cooking the Shrimp: Drain the marinade from the shrimp and place the shrimp in the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp at 360°F for 3 minutes. Give the basket a stir or shake, then continue cooking for another 2 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are done and perfectly cooked through.
7. Serving the Dish: To serve, spoon the cheesy grits onto plates and top them with the cooked shrimp.

TIP:

• If you prefer a milder level of spiciness, adjust the hot sauce according to your taste preference or omit it entirely.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Shrimp & Grits, a quintessential Southern favorite that’s sure to win hearts and appetites alike.

As you savor each bite of this Shrimp & Grits masterpiece, you’re embracing a taste of the South that’s both comforting and indulgent. With the shrimp’s zesty marinade and the creamy goodness of the grits, every element of this dish dances harmoniously on your palate. Whether you’re looking to recreate a taste of Louisiana or simply yearning for a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, these Shrimp & Grits are the answer.

Elevate your dining experience with this Southern classic, right from your own kitchen. The combination of tender shrimp, flavorful marinade, and rich, cheesy grits captures the essence of comfort food at its finest. So, gather around the table, invite your loved ones, and let this dish take you on a culinary journey to the heart of the South.