Imagine a creamy, cheesy Southern classic that comes together in just 30 minutes, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that'll transport you straight to the heart of the South. This Instant Pot Shrimp Cheese Grits recipe is not just a dish; it's a culinary experience that combines the silky smoothness of perfectly cooked grits with succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: grits, water, shredded cheddar cheese, shrimp, butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley for garnish.
- In the Instant Pot, combine 4 cups of water and 1 cup of grits. Stir to mix well.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- While the grits are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the cooking time for the grits is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid carefully and stir the grits. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the grits. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Fold the cooked shrimp into the cheesy grits, mixing gently to combine.
- Serve the shrimp cheese grits hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Southern-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen, ensure they're completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overdone. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful cheese integration into the grits.
- Instant Pot Precision: Ensure your Instant Pot seals properly and the valve is in the correct position for perfect pressure cooking.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but brings a bright, fresh flavor to the rich dish.
- Consistency is Key: If your grits are too thick, add a little warm water or milk to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 250mg
