Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the American South with a dish that has captivated palates for generations: Shrimp and Grits. While this beloved classic reigns supreme in Southern states like Texas, where its comforting presence graces countless menus, we believe in celebrating tradition with a vibrant, modern twist. Prepare to elevate your expectations as we introduce our exquisite rendition: Blood Orange Shrimp and Creamy Cheese Grits.
Our unique recipe redefines the classic Shrimp and Grits, infusing it with a bright, unexpected flavor profile. The secret lies in our signature 15-minute shrimp marinade, crafted with the exceptional zest and juice of blood oranges, enhanced by a touch of blood orange-infused olive oil. This quick marinade transforms succulent shrimp into a symphony of zesty, savory notes. Paired with velvety, subtly cheesy grits that are meticulously prepared to achieve the perfect creamy consistency, this dish promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you yearning for more. And for those fortunate enough to have leftovers, they make an absolutely divine breakfast when topped with a fried egg.
The Enduring Allure of Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Culinary Icon
Shrimp and Grits holds a special place in the culinary landscape, embodying the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking. For many, including myself (Mark), it’s more than just a dish; it’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. I’ve savored countless interpretations of this classic, each offering a unique perspective on its foundational elements, yet always delivering on its promise of comfort and flavor.
Although historically rooted in the coastal regions of the Carolinas and Georgia, particularly the Lowcountry, Shrimp and Grits has transcended its regional origins to become a celebrated sensation across the entire United States. Its popularity, which began to steadily climb in the 1980s, continues to gather momentum, making it a beloved choice in both casual diners and upscale restaurants. But to truly appreciate this dish, one must understand its humble beginnings. Grits themselves have been a staple in Native American diets for centuries, with the combination of shrimp and grits dating back to the 1800s, often as a simple, hearty breakfast for fishermen returning from sea, transforming over time into the sophisticated meal we cherish today.
Understanding Grits: The Foundation of Southern Comfort
At its core, grits are a coarse meal made from dried, ground corn – typically hominy corn. This versatile ingredient is traditionally cooked slowly with water, milk, or broth-based liquids until it reaches a thick, porridge-like consistency. The texture can vary from smooth and creamy to slightly grainy, depending on the type of grits used and the cooking method. While plain grits offer a comforting canvas, they truly shine when adorned with various enhancements. Common garnishes include savory bacon, tender country ham, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, sautéed mushrooms, or simply a generous pat of butter. This adaptability makes grits a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of dishes, equally suitable for a comforting breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or an elegant dinner. Knowing your grits – whether stone-ground, quick, or instant – is key to achieving the desired texture and flavor in any recipe.
Preparing the Shrimp: From Ocean to Plate
The shrimp component of this dish offers an exciting opportunity for culinary creativity. Whether you prefer them whole with the head on for a rustic presentation, completely peeled for ease of eating, or with the tails left on for aesthetic appeal and a touch more flavor, there’s truly no wrong way to approach it. This flexibility is part of what makes Shrimp and Grits such a joy to prepare – it invites personal touch and culinary expression.
For our Blood Orange Shrimp and Creamy Cheese Grits recipe, we opt for peeled shrimp with the tails left on. This choice offers both an elegant presentation and retains a subtle depth of flavor during cooking. The true magic, however, comes from marinating the shrimp in something exceptionally flavorful. While we’ve experimented with a multitude of marinades and seasonings over the years, consistently yielding winning results, this particular blood orange-infused concoction is truly outstanding. Its bright, zesty notes complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp beautifully. Beyond shrimp, this versatile marinade proves to be equally fantastic on chicken, fish, or even pork, making it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.
The Zesty Secret: Our 15-Minute Blood Orange Shrimp Marinade
This marinade is nothing short of a culinary triumph, a recipe we are confident you will return to time and again. Its simplicity belies the complex, vibrant flavors it imparts, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet gourmet meal. The star of this marinade is, without a doubt, the blood orange. We specifically chose a high-quality blood orange-infused olive oil to capture the unique, slightly sweet, and intensely citrusy essence of this seasonal fruit. We enthusiastically recommend seeking out this specialty oil, as it genuinely makes the shrimp “shine,” infusing it with an unparalleled brightness that sets this dish apart.
Blood orange-infused olive oil is often surprisingly easy to find, especially during the peak blood orange season when these beautiful fruits are “all the rage.” A quick search online or a visit to specialty food stores will likely yield several excellent options. Blood oranges themselves are distinct from their common counterparts; they boast a slightly sweeter flavor profile, less acidity, and a striking, jewel-toned flesh that ranges from deep pink to vibrant red. These captivating fruits are seasonal, typically gracing grocery store shelves across the United States between December and May. If you’ve yet to experience their unique taste, consider this your invitation – they are a true delight. For those who fall in love with the flavor, you might also explore a recipe for a Blood Orange Glaze, perfect for duck, fish, or chicken.
Should blood orange-infused olive oil be unavailable, don’t despair! You can easily substitute it with another citrus-infused olive oil, such as orange or lemon, for a similar bright profile. Alternatively, the fresh juice of half a blood orange (or a regular orange) can be combined with regular extra virgin olive oil to achieve a comparable effect. The remaining marinade ingredients are straightforward and readily available at any local grocery store, making this gourmet-tasting marinade surprisingly accessible for home cooks. The blend of herbs, Dijon mustard, and a touch of chili flakes creates a balanced flavor that truly complements the shrimp without overpowering it.
Mastering Creamy Grits: Essential Tips to Banish Lumps Forever!
While Shrimp and Grits is a dish of simple elegance, it does present a few common pitfalls that can diminish the overall experience. Few things are more disappointing than encountering lumpy grits or overcooked, rubbery shrimp. These fundamental technical errors can detract from an otherwise perfect meal. But fear not, achieving perfectly creamy grits is entirely within your grasp with a few key techniques.
To ensure your grits are consistently smooth and lump-free, the initial whisking is crucial. When you first add the grits to the simmering liquid, whisk vigorously to prevent them from clumping together. Beyond this initial step, frequent stirring throughout the cooking process is paramount. This not only prevents lumps from forming but also keeps the grits from sticking and burning to the bottom of the saucepan, ensuring even cooking and a consistent texture.
Another highly effective, though not terribly uncommon, “trick” for exceptionally creamy and flavorful grits is the inclusion of milk in your cooking liquid. While water is the base, supplementing it with whole milk adds a luxurious richness and a silky texture that truly elevates the dish. For this particular Blood Orange Shrimp recipe, the delicate balance of flavors means that a stock is not necessary in the grits themselves, allowing the shrimp to remain the star. However, in other culinary contexts, using a chicken or vegetable stock can impart a wonderful depth of flavor, particularly when pairing grits with dishes like braised beef or roasted chicken. Feel free to experiment with stocks in different grits preparations.
One final, yet crucial, piece of advice for perfect grits: always read the instructions on the bag or box! Seriously, this cannot be overstated. Different types of grits—stone-ground, quick-cooking, or instant—require varying liquid ratios and cooking times. “Quick grits,” for instance, cook much faster than traditional stone-ground varieties, much like instant oatmeal. If you’re using quick grits, simply follow the package’s cooking instructions regarding timing and liquid quantities, then incorporate the butter, cheese, and crème fraîche as specified in our recipe. With these tips, you’re well on your way to mastering grits that are consistently smooth, rich, and utterly delicious.
Bringing It All Together: A Symphony of Southern Flavors
We are incredibly excited for you to experience this elevated recipe for Blood Orange Marinated Shrimp and Creamy Cheese Grits. It’s a dish that beautifully marries tradition with innovation, delivering comfort food with a gourmet touch. The vibrant citrus notes from the blood orange cut through the richness of the cheese grits, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying meal that’s suitable for a special occasion or an easy weeknight dinner.
If you give this recipe a try, we would absolutely love to hear about your culinary adventure! Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving us a comment below. Your feedback and creativity inspire us! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @cooking_with_wine with your beautiful creations – we love seeing how you bring our recipes to life.
Explore More Culinary Delights: Our Other Popular Recipes!
- Crunchy Chicken with White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce
- The Best Homemade Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Homemade Pasta Recipes: Make It Today
- Saltimbocca alla Romana
📖 Recipe
Blood Orange Shrimp and Creamy Cheese Grits
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
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For the Shrimp
- 1.5 lbs shrimp – head off and about U10 size if you can get them (12-14 shrimp)
Shrimp Marinade
- 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil (or any citrus infused olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon zest of blood orange (or use a regular orange)
- 1 small blood orange, juiced (or use a regular orange)
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar (or use a citrus vinegar)
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped oregano
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 small shallot – finely diced
- 1 garlic clove – minced
For the Grits
- â…” cup grits (see note if using quick or instant grits)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup + â…“ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon crème fraîche (or sour cream)
- 2 ounces grated Jarlsberg or other alpine/swiss cheese
- A few drops of chile infused olive oil (optional to drizzle on top)
- black pepper to taste
Wilted Garlic Spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- pinch of salt
Instructions
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PREPARE THE SHRIMP
- Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for an elegant presentation (or peel completely, as preferred). Set the prepared shrimp aside while you assemble the marinade and begin preparing the grits.
PREPARE THE MARINADE
- In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure they are well incorporated. There’s no need to create an emulsion; simply ensure everything is mixed evenly. Set this aside.
THE GRITS (refer to notes for instant or quick grits)
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a gentle boil. Add the grits and salt to the pot, then stir thoroughly (or whisk) to ensure there are no lumps and the grits are evenly dispersed.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the coarseness of your grits, with coarser grits requiring longer. Stir frequently to prevent the grits from sticking and burning to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the grits are tender and creamy, stir in the grated cheese, butter, and crème fraîche. You may add more of these ingredients to taste, if desired. Season with additional black pepper if needed.
MARINATE AND COOK THE SHRIMP
- Strategic timing is key here: aim to finish cooking the shrimp just as the grits are ready. While perfect synchronization isn’t essential (the grits will stay warm), it’s preferable to wait slightly for the shrimp than the other way around.
- Add the shrimp to the prepared marinade and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes. After marinating, remove the shrimp from the marinade and arrange them on a plate.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and begin to curl slightly, indicating they are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
WILTED GARLIC SPINACH (OPTIONAL)
- Heat a large pan over medium heat, then add the olive oil.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic to the pan and cook for about one minute, until it just begins to turn a light golden color. Remove the garlic and set it aside.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the pan to heat until it just barely begins to smoke. Add the baby spinach and stir continuously to cook evenly for no more than 30 seconds. The goal is to barely wilt the spinach, maintaining its vibrant color and slight crispness. Transfer the spinach to a plate, toss with the reserved garlic and a pinch of salt.
SERVE
- Spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto a plate or into a shallow bowl. Arrange the wilted spinach next, followed by the perfectly cooked blood orange shrimp on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper and a few drops of chile-infused olive oil, if desired. You can also add other favorite garnishes like thinly sliced green onions, fresh parsley, or chives to enhance both flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 303mg
Sodium: 1156mg
Potassium: 803mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 2551IU
Vitamin C: 13mg
Calcium: 376mg
Iron: 3mg