Savory Shrimp and Goat Cheese Grits Recipe
As a home chef who adores throwing parties, I always make sure to have the perfect recipe to impress my guests. If you’re tired of your typical party menu and are searching for something new and exciting, you need to try my shrimp and goat cheese grits recipe! In this dish, perfectly cooked shrimp are paired with creamy, velvety grits that have just the right amount of tangy goat cheese. The addition of lemon zest, red pepper flakes, garlic, basil, parsley, and roasted red bell pepper lends a subtle yet delicious flavor that your taste buds will not soon forget. Whether you’re entertaining guests or whipping up dinner for your loved ones, this recipe is fast, easy, and arguably one of the best grits recipes around. So why not give it a try? Get ready to wow your guests with this shoo mercy of a dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp and goat cheese grits recipe is arguably the best grits recipe around. It’s a complete southern classic with a twist. I promise you, one bite of this dish will leave you wanting more.
Firstly, the combination of spices used creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth. The addition of lemon zest, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, basil and parsley add a tantalizing aroma that makes your taste buds salivate. The black pepper and salt not only enhance the flavors but also tenderize the shrimp perfectly.
Secondly, the creamy grits lend itself to the goats cheese that is added, giving it a velvety texture and depth of flavor that can only come from using high-quality ingredients. The heavy cream combined with the richness of the cheese gives the grits an unbeatable creamy goodness that is impossible to resist.
Lastly, when paired with properly cooked shrimp that soak up all these mouth-watering flavors like a sponge, you get a dish that simply explodes with flavor with every bite.
Believe me when I say this is a recipe for all occasions. Whether it’s Sunday brunch or dinner party; it’s fast, easy, and sure to impress your guests. With just one taste, this dish will become a regular on your menu. So shoo mercy! Head to the kitchen right now and give this recipe a try- I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredient List
To cook the arguably best grits around, we’ll need unsalted butter, grits, chicken stock, roasted red peppers, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. This recipe fast and easy to make but does require some specific components to achieve breathtaking results.
For the creamy Shrimp, we’ll use shrimp peeled & deveined, olive oil, butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. These ingredients come together to create a spicy and savory masterpiece!
To give the creamy goat cheese grits an intense flavor, we’ll add a cup of room temperature goat cheese and one cup of heavy cream. Together they lend a tangy taste that elevates this recipe Tupelo Honey Cafe-style.
To finish off the recipe with flair, garnish it with some chopped fresh basil or parsley. Trust me; it makes all the difference!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the heart of this recipe – putting it all together. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a spicy, creamy plate of Shrimp and Goat Cheese Grits that will knock your socks off.
Prepping the Shrimp
First, we need to prep our shrimp. This means peeling and deveining them. Once they are ready, set aside.
Making the Grits
Next, let’s get started with the grits. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Slowly add 1 cup of grits, stirring continuously to avoid any clumps. Lower the heat and continue stirring often until the grits are cooked through and creamy. This should take around 20-25 minutes.
Adding Creaminess
To make the grits extra creamy, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 4 ounces of goat cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
Roasting Peppers
While the grits are cooking, we can start roasting our peppers. Cut a red bell pepper into thin slices and spread them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F for around 10 minutes until softened.
Final Shrimp
Now it’s time for our shrimp again! Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the peeled shrimp, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until pink.
Combining It All Together
We’re almost there! It’s time to combine everything we’ve prepared so far in one pan. Add 2 cups of chicken stock (or broth) to the skillet along with our roasted red pepper slices. Bring to boil then lower heat and simmer for around 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finally – add your grits into your skillet mixture gradually while keeping constantly stirring until everything is nicely combined !
There you have it – Shrimp and Goat Cheese Grits! Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley or basil and a lemon zest . Now it’s time to amaze everyone with arguably the best grits recipe around that I learned from Tupelo Honey Cafe while I was on vacation on Big Island.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to put your own spin on this shrimp and goat cheese grits recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
For starters, you can switch out the shrimp for another seafood like scallops or crab meat. You could also try using different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary instead of basil and parsley, to give your dish a unique flavor.
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you could substitute it with feta or even cream cheese. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can replace the heavy cream and butter with coconut milk or almond milk.
For those who want to add a little more heat to the dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add in some cayenne pepper. You could also make it into a Cajun-style dish by adding in some Andouille sausage or smoked paprika.
If you’re feeling creative with your garnish, try topping your dish off with some roasted red peppers or shiitake mushrooms sautéed in garlic and butter.
Whatever substitutions or variations you decide to try, just remember to keep the base of the recipe intact. The combination of creamy grits, tangy goat cheese, and succulent shrimp is what makes this dish a Southern classic.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delectable dish, it’s time to think about how best to serve and pair it. Shrimp and goat cheese grits is a perfect dish for brunch or dinner parties, and you can also enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal.
When serving shrimp and goat cheese grits, I recommend garnishing it with fresh basil and parsley. This will not only enhance the flavor but add an extra pop of color to your dish.
For wine pairing, a light-bodied white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio would complement the lightness of the dish without overpowering its flavors. A dry white wine such as chardonnay or viognier would also work well with the creamy texture of the goat cheese.
If you’re not much of a wine drinker, consider pairing this shrimp and goat cheese grits recipe with a refreshing beer like a pilsner or lager. The crisp taste of these beers will help cut through the richness of the goat cheese and cream.
Lastly, when it comes to sides, roasted peppers or oyster mushrooms would be great options to complement the flavors of the dish. You could also consider adding some spicy roasted red pepper sauce on top of your shrimp for an extra kick.
Overall, this dish is versatile enough to pair well with many different types of drinks and sides – just use your imagination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this shrimp and goat cheese grits recipe ahead of time? Shoo mercy, that’s a good idea! You can make the grits up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat on low heat, stirring frequently, until they are warmed through.
For the shrimp, you can prepare them up to one day ahead of time by following the same method used in the recipe. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until they are heated through.
If you have any leftover shrimp and grits (highly unlikely!), you can store them separately in airtight containers for up to three days. When reheating, stir frequently and add a splash of chicken stock or water to bring back some moisture.
For an extra southern touch, top with oyster mushrooms sautéed in unsalted butter until golden brown. As always, don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Now that you know how easy it is to make-ahead, store and reheat this recipe, there’s no excuse not to make it for your next party or gathering. Your guests will love it!
Tips for Perfect Results
When preparing this shrimp and goat cheese grits recipe, there are a few tips that can help you achieve perfect results every time. Here are some suggestions that can elevate your cooking game:
1. Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients is one of the most important things to ensure a delicious dish. Make sure to buy fresh shrimp, herbs, and vegetables. The fresher the ingredients, the tastier the dish.
2. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and overcooking them is a common mistake. Cook them until they turn pink, which should take around 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will leave them rubbery and tough.
3. Use roasted red peppers: Roasting red peppers gives them a deep sweetness that will elevate your dish’s flavor profile to another level. You can roast them over an open flame or in the oven.
4. Add flavor with spices: This recipe calls for lemon zest, red pepper flakes, garlic, black pepper, salt, basil, and parsley – make sure all of these ingredients are present in sufficient amount to bring out their flavors.
5. Use high-quality grits: The foundation of a great grits recipe is high-quality grits. Choose grits with more flavor and texture since it yields better end-results.
6. Whisk whipping cream into grits: If you want super creamy grits, whisk in heavy cream after the grits have cooked for about 20 minutes. This approach will increase the richness of your dish.
7. Be patient while making goat cheese sauce: Taking your time when preparing the cheesy sauce is fundamental when dealing with soft goat cheese since it melts easily.
8. Let everything come together before serving: Once everything is cooked and ready to go on the plate, give the shrimp and goat cheese grit combination some minutes together to meld all flavors together.
By following these tips, your shrimp and goat cheese grits will reach its maximum potential – savoring each bite made with shoo mercy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to impress your guests with a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor, then this shrimp and goat cheese grits recipe is perfect for you. With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
The combination of juicy shrimp, creamy goat cheese, and flavorful roasted red pepper sauce take this recipe to the next level. And with the added kick of garlic and red pepper flakes, you’re sure to create a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make this recipe your own. Whether you prefer spicier or milder flavors, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe work for you.
So roll up your sleeves and get cooking! With the help of these detailed instructions and pro-tips, you can easily master this southern-inspired classic. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!
Shrimp and Goat Cheese Grits Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup grits, freshly ground if possible
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 lb butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 ounces belle chevre goat cheese
- black pepper, 7 turns of the pepper mill
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 dozen shrimp
Instructions
- Add stock to a medium saucepan or large skillet and bring to a boil. Stir in the grits and continue to stir for approximately 4 minutes, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add cream as needed to keep the grits moist.
- Place shrimp in a large ziplock bag with the garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Make sure the spices are mixed well and coating the shrimp, then place the bag in the refrigerator to marinate for 20 minutes.
- After the 20 minutes are up, add butter, goat cheese, parsley and basil to the grits. Stir and add salt and pepper.
- Heat a saute pan to medium high heat. In a little butter, add shrimp (including the marinating mixture) and saute for 5 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque and form a "C". Do not overcook the shrimp!
- To serve, spoon grits onto a serving plate, and add 4 shrimp and some liquid from the saute pan on top of the grits.
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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!