Southern Skillet Shrimp and Okra with Cheddar Grits

This Southern-inspired skillet dish brings together succulent shrimp and tender okra in a savory, lightly spiced sauce. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

Serve the shrimp and okra over a bed of creamy cheddar grits for a hearty, satisfying dinner that pays homage to classic Southern flavors.

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveinedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 cups fresh or frozen okra, slicedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup quick-cooking gritsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons olive oilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 small onion, dicedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 cloves garlic, mincedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drainedView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon paprikaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

sSalt and black pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 cups waterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoons butterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Stir in grits, reduce heat to low and cook according to package directions until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
2. While grits cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in okra and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until okra is tender and slime has reduced.
4. Add diced tomatoes, paprika and cayenne (if using). Cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
5. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve shrimp and okra mixture over the cheesy grits. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.

Can I substitute the grits?

You can serve the shrimp and okra over rice, quinoa or with crusty bread instead.

How do I reduce the sliminess of okra?

Cooking okra at high heat and stirring frequently helps reduce sliminess. Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes also helps.