Southern Soul Meets Gourmet Flavor
When crispy fried grits meet creamy garlic shrimp, you’re not just eating—you’re experiencing a Southern flavor bomb that blends texture, richness, and heat in every bite. This recipe from @eatwitzo takes the beloved comfort of cheesy grits and transforms them into golden, crunchy blocks topped with a luscious shrimp sauce that’s straight out of a dream.
Fried grits are a staple in many Southern kitchens, but this version levels up with a creamy tomato-garlic shrimp sauce that adds elegance to every forkful. It’s Black comfort food redefined—perfect for brunch, date night, or when you’re trying to impress with bold, unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients
For the Grits
- 1 ½ cups cooked grits, thickened
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your fave mix)
For Frying the Grits
- All-purpose flour, for coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs, for coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Shrimp Sauce
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt, pepper, and seasoning of choice, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook and Cool the Grits
- Make a thick batch of grits, then stir in butter, cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into a dish and refrigerate until firm.
2. Cut and Bread the Grits
- Slice cold grits into blocks.
- Coat in flour, dip in egg, and roll in Panko breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Grits
- Heat oil and fry grit blocks until golden and crispy.
- Drain and set aside.
4. Sauté Veggies and Shrimp
- In a hot pan with oil and butter, sauté bell peppers and garlic paste.
- Add well-seasoned shrimp.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
- Add tomato paste and deglaze with broth.
- Pour in cream, season again, and let it thicken.
6. Finish and Serve
- Toss in green onion, spoon shrimp, and sauce over fried grits.
- Serve hot.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Chill the grits overnight for cleaner cuts and firmer blocks.
- Use Cajun seasoning for a flavor-packed shrimp kick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying for a crispier finish.
- Add a squeeze of lemon over the shrimp for brightness.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Zo, the culinary force behind @eatwitzo. Known for turning soul food classics into eye-catching, gourmet-level meals, Zo brings creativity and fire to every dish he shares.
Zo | @eatwitzo