Easy Garlic Shrimp with Blue Cheese Grits
Are you a fan of bold, zesty, and spicy seasonings? Do you love trying out new recipes that add a marvelous twist to classic Southern dishes? Well, then you’re in for a treat. Get ready to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds with this Garlic Shrimp with Blue Cheese Grits recipe.
Nothing beats the flavor of fresh garlic cloves, combined with juicy shrimp cooked in butter and olive oil. And when you pair them with creamy blue cheese grits, it’s a match made in heaven. This classic Southern dish gets an upgrade with the addition of bold and zesty buffalo sauce, making it a unique and flavorful experience.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a delicious meal that’s easy to make, this dish is perfect for all occasions. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your pots and pans, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a bold and zesty southern classic with a marvelous twist, look no further than this Garlic Shrimp with Blue Cheese Grits recipe! Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to absolutely love this dish:
First off, the garlic shrimp steals the show – it’s seasoned with spicy and savory seasonings such as cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt that add depth and flavor to the dish. The garlic cloves also give it a fragrant kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
But that’s not all! What sets this recipe apart is the creamy blue cheese grits. This takes the traditionally simple grits recipe to a whole new level by infusing it with blue cheese and butter for a luscious and cheesy flavor. It’s the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
And let’s not forget about the crispy buffalo wing shrimp garnish – they add an extra texture and kick of heat to this delicious meal!
Overall, this is a winning combination that will impress any guest at your next party or family gathering. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice levels to suit everyone’s preferences or add some extra hot sauce to really turn up the heat.
So, if you’re looking for a decadent yet easy-to-make dish that will leave an impression on your guests, give this garlic shrimp with blue cheese grits recipe a try!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the bold and spicy flavors of this southern classic, make sure to gather all the components in one place. Here is what you will need to create this delicious Garlic Shrimp With Blue Cheese Grits Recipe:
For the Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Olive oil for sautéing
For the Blue Cheese Grits:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded blue cheese
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Don’t have blue cheese on hand? No worries – this recipe can also be made with cheddar cheese for a twist on a classic. Additionally, if you want to take these shrimp to a spicy level, try adding some hot sauce or garnishing with buffalo sauce for an extra kick!
The Recipe How-To
- 4 teaspoons of salt
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of grits
- 4 teaspoons of fresh ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cups of shredded blue cheese
- 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp (tails removed)
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
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Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a large pot.
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Stir in 1 cup of grits into the boiling water, stirring constantly until well combined.
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Reduce heat to low and let the grits simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Once the mixture has thickened, add 4 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper and stir well.
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Next, add 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of shredded blue cheese to the grits mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
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Cover the pot with a lid to keep warm and set aside.
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In a separate pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat with 5 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant for about 1 minute.
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Add in the peeled shrimp and continue to cook until they turn pink, about 2 minutes per side depending on their size.
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Sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper on the shrimp to add an extra zesty kick.
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Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan using a mesh strainer or slotted spoon, leaving any excess liquid in the pan.
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Stir this liquid into your creamy blue cheese grits mixture for even more flavor.
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Serve your delicious, bold zesty spicy garlic shrimp over a bed of creamy blue cheese grits mixture hot off the stove!
Substitutions and Variations
for Garlic Shrimp With Blue Cheese Grits Recipe
Are you looking to switch things up and put your own spin on this dish? Luckily, there are numerous options for substitutions and variations that you can try out.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternatives that can be incorporated into this recipe. Goat cheese is a popular substitution for blue cheese, as it has a similarly tangy flavor profile. Alternatively, cheddar cheese can be used for those who prefer a milder cheese taste.
Want to make the spicy shrimp even spicier? Add some cajun seasoning or extra cayenne pepper to the shrimp before cooking. For those who like their food with a bold kick, consider trying buffalo shrimp instead. Simply toss the cooked shrimp in buffalo sauce until coated and serve on top of the blue cheese grits for a marvelous twist on this Southern classic.
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish, try using olive oil instead of butter when cooking the shrimp. And for those with dietary restrictions, corn grits are gluten-free and can be used as a substitute for stone-ground grits.
Looking to take things up a notch? Incorporating some chopped garlic and honey shallot dressing into the grits mixture can add an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
Ultimately, there are many ways to make this recipe your own while still maintaining its zesty, savory taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutions and variations until you find your favorite combination!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared this incredible garlic shrimp with blue cheese grits recipe, it’s time to think about serving and pairing it. This dish is a bold and flavorful Southern classic with a marvelous twist, so you’ll want to choose the right sides and drinks to complement it.
To start, consider serving some crusty bread or biscuits alongside the dish. The crispy outer crust of the bread complements the smooth texture of the blue cheese grits, while the soft center instantly soaks up all those delicious flavors. A simple side salad with fresh seasonal greens and a tangy vinegar dressing also makes a great accompaniment.
When it comes to drinks, wine lovers should definitely try pairing this recipe with a bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Chianti. The fruity and robust flavors of these wines match well with the spicy seasonings and hot sauce in this dish. Alternatively, beer lovers can opt for an equally bold and hoppy IPA to cut through the cheesy richness of the grits.
If you’re going for a non-alcoholic beverage, sweet tea or lemonade is always a safe choice. Their sweet tangy flavors balance out the spicy seasonings in this dish perfectly.
Finally, don’t forget about dessert! A light and refreshing dessert like key lime pie or lemon bars would make an excellent endnote to this indulgent meal.
Overall, serving and pairing this garlic shrimp with blue cheese grits recipe requires finding complementary flavors that balance out its creamy blue cheese goodness and zesty spiciness with something light yet tangy.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a home chef, I understand the importance of having a recipe that can be made ahead of time and still be delicious when reheated. Luckily, this Garlic Shrimp With Blue Cheese Grits Recipe is perfect for making ahead.
To make the dish in advance, simply prepare the grits and shrimp separately, then store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the grits on low heat on the stove while stirring occasionally. For the shrimp, reheat it in a pan with some olive oil over medium-high heat while turning occasionally until warmed throughout.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored separately in an airtight container. The grits can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days and the shrimp can be stored for up to two days. When reheating leftovers, you may need to add a little bit of water or chicken stock to prevent them from drying out.
Overall, this dish is incredibly convenient because of how well it stores and reheats. Whether you are meal prepping or making it in advance for a party, you will not lose any of the bold zesty and creamy blue cheese flavor when reheating.
Tips for Perfect Results
For perfect results when making garlic shrimp with blue cheese grits, follow these tips:
First, make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the shrimp. Fresh pink or tiger shrimp would work best for this recipe as they have a sweet flavor that complements the zesty and spicy seasonings. Make sure the shrimp are deveined and cleaned properly.
When cooking the garlic shrimp, be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and then remove them from the pan. This will ensure that their texture is tender and juicy.
When making the blue cheese grits, use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor. The coarse texture of stone-ground grits works well with the creamy blue cheese and adds a nice contrast to the dish. Use just enough water or chicken stock to cook the grits to a porridge-like consistency, about 4 cups of liquid per 1 cup of grits.
Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste depending on how spicy you want your dish. You can also add a pinch of fresh ground black pepper for extra heat and depth of flavor.
To elevate the dish even further, garnish with chopped scallions, diced tomato or red onion, chopped parsley or cilantro.
Lastly, pair this bold zesty and savory meal with your favorite wine, such as a crisp white Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling Prosecco. The tangy acidity of these wines complements the creamy blue cheese in the grits and refreshes the palate from the bold flavors of the spicy shrimp.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to serve a garlic shrimp with blue cheese grits recipe that is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your meal rotation.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Garlic Shrimp with Blue Cheese Grits recipe is a must-try for all seafood and cheese lovers. The bold zesty and spicy seasonings blend perfectly with the creamy blue cheese grits, creating a marvelous twist on a southern classic. The garlic shrimp adds an extra burst of flavor that will leave your mouth watering for more.
This recipe is easy to follow, with options for substitutions and variations to cater to individual preferences. It can be served for a classy dinner party, or as a comforting weeknight meal. With the ability to make it ahead and store it for later, this Garlic Shrimp with Blue Cheese Grits recipe is perfect for busy individuals who still crave a delicious home-cooked dinner.
I recommend pairing it with a glass of white wine or cold beer, along with some fresh greens or a side salad to balance out the richness of the dish. The DeliPair app can be used as a guide to find the best wine pairing for each occasion.
Finally, I urge you to try this recipe at least once in your life – whether you are an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen. The combination of succulent shrimp and creamy blue cheese grits is sure to leave your taste buds tantalized, and your guests impressed. So go ahead, give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Garlic Shrimp With Blue Cheese Grits Recipe
Ingredients
Grits
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces blue cheese (to taste)
Shrimp
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook grits and water according to package directions with 1 teaspoon salt. When grits are tender and thick, remove from heat and stir in black and cayenne pepper and blue cheese.
- Mince garlic. Melt butter in a wide skillet on medium heat. Add garlic and stir 1 minute. Add shrimp, increase heat to high and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until shrimp are opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Serve beside or over grits.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!