Spice-Tossed Shrimp with Parmesan Grits
Here’s a fabulous 10-minute (yes, 10 minute!) recipe for a gourmet dinner from Scramble fan and recipe tester, Alice Clark of Seattle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking (not instant) grits
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or use shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 lb. large shrimp (preferably US or Canadian farmed or wild shrimp), peeled and deveined, or use drained and diced temph or extra-firm tofu
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. salt-free lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder or use 1/4 tsp. chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the grits and 1/4 tsp. salt, reduce the heat, cover and simmer it for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the grits from the heat and stir in the butter and the cheese.
- Meanwhile, wrap the shrimp in a clean dishcloth to dry it thoroughly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the oregano, thyme, lemon pepper seasoning, chili powder, 1/4 tsp. salt (optional), and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp thoroughly with the spices to coat it.
- In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When it is very hot, add the shrimp and cook it for about 2 minutes per side until it is pink and firm. Serve the shrimp immediately, spooned over the grits.
Slow Cooker Directions
- Stir together the grits, 4 cups of water, ¼ tsp. salt, and butter in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or on high for 3 - 4 hours until the grits are creamy and tender. Then stir in the cheese. Prepare the shrimp by tossing them with the spices as directed, then lay the shrimp on top of the grits and cook on high for 30 - 60 minutes more, until the shrimp are opaque. (Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Grate the cheese if necessary and refrigerate, dry and refrigerate the shrimp or drain and dice the tempeh or tofu if necessary, combine the spices.
Scramble Flavor Booster: Use the chipotle chili powder to season the shrimp. Season the grits with additional black pepper or a few dashes of hot pepper sauce.
Tip: Grits, a traditional Southern grain made from ground corn, are low in calories and fat and have a decent amount of fiber per serving. They are also rich in iron, thiamin, and folic acid, so they’re a healthy indulgence, especially if you don’t stir in too much butter.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (% based upon daily values): Calories 400, Total Fat: 15g, 23%; Saturated Fat: 5g, 25%; Cholesterol: 190mg, 63%; Sodium: 695mg, 29%; Total Carbohydrate: 34g, 11%; Dietary Fiber: 2g, 8%; Sugar: 0g; Protein: 30g
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