Breakfast for Dinner Shrimp and Grits (48 Minutes)

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Breaking the norms can be fun, especially when it comes to meals. Our shrimp and grits is a nod to breakfast delights but crafted especially for dinner. This dish offers tender shrimp in a tasty sauce, creamy grits, and is topped off with a fried egg. It’s a meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor, suitable for any time of the day. Let’s dive in!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 large eggs
  • Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grits (20 minutes): In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally until grits are soft, about 20 minutes. Stir in butter and cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Cook the Shrimp (8 minutes): In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are coated in the sauce and fully cooked.
  3. Fry the Eggs (8 minutes): In a separate skillet, melt a small knob of butter over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry until the whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 2-4 minutes.
  4. Assemble (2 minutes): Spoon the grits onto plates. Top with the shrimp and its sauce. Place a fried egg on top of each serving and sprinkle with fresh chives.

Notes

To get the most out of this dish, puncture the yolk after serving and let it meld with the grits and shrimp sauce for a rich, unified flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or serving with a side of sautéed greens. Toasted bread or English muffins can also be a delightful addition, perfect for soaking up the combined goodness.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 315mg

Pair this with...

Home Fries

Grab a couple of good ol' russet potatoes, and cut them into bite-sized cubes. A quick tip: to ensure even cooking, try to keep those cubes roughly the same size. In a large skillet, heat a mix of butter and oil (they’re a match made in heaven for flavor and crispiness). Toss in your potato cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden. For an extra layer of yum, consider adding diced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for a kick. Cook until the potatoes are crispy outside but soft inside.

Southern Style Collard Greens

"Start by selecting a hearty bunch of fresh collard greens, washing them thoroughly and removing the tough stems. Slice the greens into broad ribbons and set them aside. In a large pot, sauté some diced onions until translucent. Add chunks of savory ham, letting the meat brown slightly and release its smoky aroma. Once the ham is sizzling, pile in your collard greens. They'll seem towering at first, but they'll wilt down significantly. Pour in some chicken broth for added depth and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Let everything simmer slowly, melding the flavors together.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Start by gathering blueberries, kiwi slices, juicy orange segments, ripe strawberries, plump red grapes, sweet mango cubes, or whatever fruit you have on hand! Give everything a gentle mix in a large bowl. For a zesty twist, drizzle with a bit of fresh lime or lemon juice. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh mint or a hint of honey to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruits. Serve chilled.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!