Skillet Shrimp and Creamy Grits Bowls

Quick grits and small shrimp make this warm bowl faster than its slow-cooked counterpart. Start the grits first, then cook shrimp in a hot skillet until opaque and curled. A little broth loosens the browned bits into a light sauce that seasons the bowls.

Serves: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 4 cups water or low-sodium broth
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Method

1. Bring water or broth and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat, and cook according to the package directions, stirring often.
2. When the grits are tender, remove from heat and stir in cheddar. Cover to keep warm while the shrimp cooks.
3. Pat shrimp dry and toss with smoked paprika and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until opaque and just firm. Transfer to a clean plate.
5. Add garlic to the skillet and stir for 20 seconds. Pour in broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits; simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and pan sauce, and finish with scallions and parsley.

Variations

Use quick polenta instead of grits and follow its package directions. Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce after the shrimp is removed and stir until wilted. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp seasoning.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate shrimp and grits separately in covered containers for up to 2 days. Reheat grits over low heat with water or broth, stirring until creamy; warm shrimp gently until hot without prolonged cooking. Assemble just before serving.

Read the meal planning for busy weeks and plan dinner leftovers as tomorrow's lunch for more ways to plan lunch. Add this recipe to the Lucru Home meal planner and list any missing ingredients before shopping.