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+ servings

Classic Creole Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Master a Southern favorite with this authentic Creole shrimp and grits recipe. Perfectly spiced sauce meets creamy, buttery grits.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 472

Ingredients
  

For the Creole Shrimp:
  • 2 pounds unpeeled medium-size raw shrimp (26/30 count)
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 celery ribs chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • teaspoons Creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 ounces canned tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
For the Grits:
  • cups milk
  • cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • cups uncooked quick-cooking grits

Method
 

  1. Peel the shrimp and reserve the shells; devein if desired. Bring the shells and water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Strain the broth through a colander into a large bowl, pressing the shells with the back of a spoon to extract liquid, then discard the shells.
  2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns caramel-colored. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender, stirring often. Stir in the Creole seasoning, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in the tomato paste until the vegetables are evenly coated. Slowly add 2 cups of the shrimp broth, stirring constantly to create a thick sauce. Add the bay leaf, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shrimp and cook for 10 minutes, stirring in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the remaining broth to reach the desired consistency.
  3. Bring the milk, water, and salt to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Gradually stir in the grits. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Serve the Creole shrimp over the grits and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 39gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 411mgSodium: 1853mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10g

Notes

Note: I found Creole seasoning at my local grocery store in the International aisle, in the Cajun section.