Sep 05 2026
RestaurantsPitaya Mexican RestaurantShrimp & Grits Recipe

Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Make Shrimp & Grits Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Grits

Method

Grits

  1. 1

    Bring liquids to a simmer

    In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups water and 1 cup whole milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat; do not boil.

  2. 2

    Cook grits

    Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring often to prevent lumps and scorching, until thick and tender, about 20–30 minutes (follow package timing for stone-ground; adjust liquid as needed).

  3. 3

    Finish grits

    Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup grated sharp cheddar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm, cover to prevent skin forming while you prepare shrimp.

Shrimp & sauce

  1. 4

    Prepare shrimp

    Pat 1 lb shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Old Bay or creole seasoning.

  2. 5

    Brown sausage

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. When hot, add 4 oz sliced andouille or smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp at edges, about 3–4 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.

  3. 6

    Sauté vegetables

    Add the chopped small yellow onion, 1/2 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 chopped celery stalk to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 7

    Build the sauce

    Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine to deglaze, scraping browned bits from the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 1–2 minutes. Add 1 cup chicken stock, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and the reserved sausage. Bring to a gentle simmer and let reduce slightly for 3–5 minutes to concentrate flavors.

  5. 8

    Cook shrimp

    Return skillet to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook 1.5–2 minutes per side (depending on size) until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice over shrimp and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

  6. 9

    Assemble and serve

    Spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits into bowls. Top with the shrimp and sauce, making sure to include sausage and vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

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