This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Make this single serving shrimp and grits for a classic Southern meal in just 20 minutes. Creamy stone-ground grits with sharp cheddar are topped with tender, buttery shrimp cooked with garlic, onions, and sweet red bell peppers.
Featured Comment
“Outstanding!”
– Leona
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern Flavor: Creamy stone-ground grits with sharp cheddar cheese topped with tender, garlicky shrimp create a rich, savory bowl.
- Quick to Make: The grits cook in about 10 minutes, and the shrimp cook in just a few more, making this a fast, satisfying meal.
- Single Serving: This recipe makes one generous bowl, so you get a perfectly portioned shrimp and grits without leftovers.
- Easy to Double: Simply double the ingredients to make shrimp and grits for two.
Shrimp and grits is one of those classic Southern dishes that never goes out of style. Creamy, buttery grits topped with tender shrimp cooked in garlic and peppers create a bowl that feels rich and satisfying without being heavy.
I love how adaptable it is. Some versions include bacon or ham, others skip the cheese, and every cook has their own way of making it. This is my simple single serving version, made with stone-ground grits and sharp cheddar for a creamy base that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Serve shrimp and grits on its own, or pair it with small batch hush puppies or butter swim biscuits. For something lighter, add a green salad and simple vinaigrette or sautéed green beans.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving shrimp and grits recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Stone-Ground grits: Use stone-ground or coarse white grits for the best texture and rich corn flavor. They create creamy grits with a slightly hearty texture. Cooking times vary by brand, so check the package directions. House Autry White Stone Ground Grits and Bob’s Red Mill White Corn Grits typically cook in 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds bold flavor and melts smoothly into the hot grits. Gruyère is another excellent option for a slightly nuttier taste. For the creamiest results, shred your own cheese since pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp is wonderful, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Individually frozen shrimp are especially convenient for a single serving recipe. Thaw before cooking and pat dry so they sear properly. Use extra shrimp in single serving BBQ Shrimp, single serving shrimp fettuccine, small batch air fryer shrimp, or single serving shrimp quinoa bowl.
- Vegetables: Chopped onions, red bell peppers, and one clove of garlic build flavor in the sauce and add color. Cook them until softened before adding the shrimp for the best depth of flavor. Leftover vegetables can be used in single serving squash casserole, ratatouille for one, or single serving jambalaya.
What are Grits? Are They the Same as Polenta?
Grits are a Southern dish made from ground white corn or hominy. When cooked, they become soft, creamy, and slightly buttery in flavor. They’re often served for breakfast or paired with shrimp as a classic Southern main dish.
Although grits and polenta look similar, they are not the same. Grits are usually made from hominy, which has been treated to remove the hull, giving them a softer texture. Polenta is made from flint corn, which is firmer and produces a coarser, more dense texture.
How To Make Shrimp And Grits
These step-by-step instructions show how to make this creamy shrimp and grits recipe. For ingredient amounts and full details, see the recipe card below.
Cook the Grits
- In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the milk, water, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the grits, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are soft and thick.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and cheese.
Note: Grits will thicken as they cool. If they get too thick, stir in a few teaspoons of water or milk to loosen them.
Cook the Shrimp
- In an 8-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes, until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Squeeze a little lemon juice over the shrimp and vegetables.
Assemble
- Spoon the cheese grits into a bowl and top with the shrimp and vegetables.
Expert Tips
- Get Everything Ready First: Shrimp and grits cook quickly, so read through the recipe and ingredient notes before starting. Gather your ingredients to keep the process smooth.
- Consider Adding Bacon: If you’d like a boost of flavor, cook a slice of bacon first and use the drippings instead of butter to sauté the vegetables and shrimp.
- Make the Grits Extra Creamy: Stir in the cheese at the very end with the butter for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: A small squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the texture won’t be as rich or creamy. If using instant grits, follow the package instructions for cooking time and liquid amounts.
Shrimp and grits are best enjoyed fresh. Grits thicken as they sit, but you can reheat them gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen them.
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them from the heat as soon as they curl into a loose “C” shape.
Yes! To make two servings, double the ingredients and use a larger pot for the grits.
Popular Southern Recipes To Try
If you love Shrimp and Grits, here are a few more classic single serving Southern recipes to make next:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy Shrimp and Grits for One or any One Dish Kitchen recipe, let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Shrimp and Grits For One
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Grits
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup stone-ground grits *see notes
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
For the Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5 medium shrimp -peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- ¼ cup chopped red bell peppers
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Cook the Grits
- In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the milk, water, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the grits, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are soft and thick.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and cheese.Pro Tip: Grits will thicken as they cool. If they get too thick, stir in a few teaspoons of water or milk to loosen them.
Cook the Shrimp
- In an 8-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes, until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Squeeze a little lemon juice over the shrimp and vegetables.
Assemble
- Spoon the cheese grits into a bowl and top with the shrimp and vegetables.
Notes
- Get Everything Ready First: Shrimp and grits cook quickly, so read through the recipe and ingredient notes before starting. Gather your ingredients to keep the process smooth.
- Consider Adding Bacon: If you’d like a boost of flavor, cook a slice of bacon first and use the drippings instead of butter to sauté the vegetables and shrimp.
- Make the Grits Extra Creamy: Stir in the cheese at the very end with the butter for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: A small squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I’ll admit it, I’m a Yankee who can’t seem to make Shrimp & Grits. I tried and it just didn’t turn out right. I fully admit “it’s me, not you” and by “you” I mean the recipe. Sigh. I guess I’ll just have to stick to consuming not preparing.
I really appreciate your honesty and sense of humor! Shrimp and grits can be a little tricky, especially if it’s not something you grew up making. I’m glad you gave it a try, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it at the table instead of the stove.
This was delicious and truly a comfort food. I will make it again … and again.
Thank you, I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Good recipe. Easy peasy. It was a little bit light on flavor but that could have been my shrimp. I’m looking forward to trying the scampi next time. I did Brown the butter with a little bit of cumin, cilantro and red pepper flakes. I would definitely make it again. I do love cheese grits.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Outstanding! The grits I used called for a longer cooking time, but with careful watching they were ready a bit sooner than the manufacturer’s directions.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the shrimp and grits, Leona. Thank you for your feedback.
What are grits, where can they be bought and what do they taste like… as a comparison.
Grits are made from ground white corn or hominy and are a staple food in the Southern United States. They are often served as a breakfast dish, a side dish, or as part of a main course, as in this shrimp and grits recipe. Grits can be found in the breakfast cereal aisle in most grocery stores. Please read through the Ingredient Notes section and the sections above where I mention the brands of grits I use and other information that may be helpful, especially if you’ve never tasted grits before.
Grits are ground corn, similar to polenta. Grits are slightly creamer with a slightly stronger flavor.
Good recipe.
Thank you!