Firecracker Southern Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

Firecracker Southern Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

Discover a delicious and easy-to-make copycat recipe for Firecracker Southern Shrimp & Cheesy Grits. A perfect game day snack or Friday night tailgate dish that's sure to impress your guests with its explosion of flavors.

Time: Prep: 10 minutes - Cook: 10 minutes - Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Southern

Allergens

Shellfish (shrimp)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup stone
  • ground grits
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Gradually whisk in grits and cook according to package instructions until creamy and tender. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Cover and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
  4. Serve the spicy shrimp atop the cheesy grits, garnishing with pickled jalapeños and cilantro.

Chef’s Insight

This dish is perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared in advance and heated up just before serving.

Notes

This dish can be prepared gluten-free and vegan with the appropriate substitutions.

Cultural or Historical Background

The combination of shrimp and grits is a staple in Southern cuisine, with roots dating back to the late 17th century when Native Americans taught European settlers how to cultivate corn, which was then used to make grits. The addition of spice and tangy flavors elevates this classic dish into a firecracker of flavor.