When we talk about African-American cuisine, we’re talking about more than just food—we’re talking about heritage, community, and deep-rooted flavor traditions that warm both the belly and the heart. And if there’s one dish that truly captures the essence of Southern food, it’s shrimp and grits.
This soulful classic has traveled from coastal Carolina kitchens to brunch tables across the country, but its roots go much deeper. It’s a dish with generations of love stirred into every spoonful—made even more indulgent with a rich, silky Creole butter sauce that brings bold, spicy depth to every bite. Whether you’re craving comfort, nostalgia, or a new weekend go-to, this soul food recipe delivers.
A Quick History of Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits started out humble, as many great dishes do. Grits, made from ground corn, have been a staple of Southern food for centuries. Enslaved African Americans in the South combined local seafood like shrimp with creamy grits, creating a dish that was both sustaining and delicious. Over time, it became a cherished staple of African-American cuisine, often served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on the family.
Today, it’s a mainstay on Southern restaurant menus, but when made at home, especially topped with a spicy Creole butter sauce, it becomes something even more personal.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get cooking:
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant!)
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a handful of shredded sharp cheddar for extra richness
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
For the Creole Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots or onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you like heat)
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Chopped parsley or scallions for garnish
How to Make It
1. Cook the Grits
Bring the broth or water to a boil, then whisk in the grits. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. When thick and creamy, stir in the butter, cream, and cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
Season your shrimp with Creole seasoning, paprika, and a bit of salt. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shrimp, cooking just until the shrimp are pink and slightly curled—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Creole Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add shallots and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat.
4. Assemble and Serve
Spoon generous portions of grits into bowls. Top with shrimp, then drizzle the Creole butter sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley or scallions for a pop of color—and dig in.
Why This Dish Belongs on Your Table
Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend brunch or need a comforting weeknight dinner, this soul food recipe checks all the boxes. The creamy grits are warm and grounding. The shrimp are juicy and seasoned just right. And that buttery, spicy Creole sauce? It ties the whole plate together with the signature punch of Southern food flavor.
This isn’t just about a meal—it’s about honoring the past while enjoying something undeniably delicious in the present.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of shrimp and grits is its versatility. You can:
- Swap shrimp for seared scallops, catfish, or even grilled vegetables.
- Make it spicier with hot sauce or more cayenne in the Creole butter.
- Add extras like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or bacon for more texture.
There are no hard rules here—just the invitation to explore African-American cuisine with creativity and respect.
Cooking Through Culture
At Incloodie Food Tour, we celebrate the diversity of food, especially through recipes that have shaped African-American culinary traditions. This Southern shrimp and grits with Creole butter is more than just a recipe—it’s a plateful of culture, resilience, and pride.
If you’re feeling inspired, make this dish at home and share your version with us on Instagram using #IncloodieEats. Got a favorite spin on Southern food or a secret family soul food recipe? We’d love to hear about it.
Want to taste the real deal, guided by someone who lives and breathes these food stories? Book a tour with Incloodie Food Tour today and experience the flavors of African-American cuisine like never before—one delicious stop at a time.
Until next time, keep cooking—and keep connecting through food.