Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. The shrimp are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in a tangy buffalo sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. Paired with smooth, buttery grits infused with blue cheese, the dish feels both comforting and exciting.
It’s also surprisingly easy to make, with simple steps that come together quickly. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or trying to impress guests, this dish has a restaurant-quality feel without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the buffalo shrimp:
large shrimp, peeled and deveined
buttermilk
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
paprika
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
vegetable oil (for frying)
buffalo sauce
unsalted butter
For the blue cheese grits:
water or chicken broth
milk
stone-ground grits
salt
unsalted butter
blue cheese, crumbled
black pepper
Optional garnish:
chopped green onions
celery sticks
Directions
Start by preparing the shrimp. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk and let them soak briefly. This helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to stick better.
In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In a separate bowl, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter. Toss the hot shrimp in the sauce until well coated.
To make the grits, bring water or chicken broth and milk to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy. Add butter and crumbled blue cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Spoon the creamy blue cheese grits onto plates and top with the crispy buffalo shrimp. Garnish with chopped green onions or serve with celery sticks if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
For a lighter version, bake or air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying. You’ll still get a crisp texture with less oil.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
You can substitute the blue cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack if you want a less intense cheese flavor.
For extra texture, add crispy bacon bits on top of the grits or mix them in for a smoky touch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat the shrimp, use an oven or air fryer to help bring back their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Reheat the grits on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture and make them creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before using to ensure a crispy coating.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy inside while getting crispy outside.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, simply use less buffalo sauce or choose a milder version to control the heat level.
Are grits the same as polenta?
They are similar, but grits are typically made from a different type of corn and have a distinct flavor and texture.
Can I make the grits ahead of time?
Yes, but they will thicken as they cool. Reheat with added liquid to restore their creamy consistency.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, works best.
Can I skip the buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute with milk mixed with a little lemon juice or vinegar.
How do I keep the shrimp crispy after frying?
Keep them on a wire rack instead of stacking them, and toss in sauce just before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread pairs nicely with the rich flavors.
Can I use quick grits?
Yes, but stone-ground grits provide a better texture and flavor if you have the time.
Conclusion
Crispy Buffalo Shrimp and Creamy Blue Cheese Grits is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines heat, crunch, and creamy comfort in every bite. It’s a great way to elevate a classic shrimp dish into something memorable, whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
PrintCrispy Buffalo Shrimp and Creamy Blue Cheese Grits
Crispy Buffalo Shrimp and Creamy Blue Cheese Grits is a bold and comforting dish featuring crunchy, spicy shrimp served over rich, velvety grits infused with tangy blue cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- buttermilk
- all-purpose flour
- cornstarch
- paprika
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- buffalo sauce
- unsalted butter
- water or chicken broth
- milk
- stone-ground grits
- blue cheese, crumbled
- black pepper
- chopped green onions (optional)
- celery sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Soak shrimp in buttermilk briefly.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture until coated.
- Heat oil and fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, then drain.
- Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter and toss shrimp to coat.
- Bring water or broth and milk to a gentle boil for grits.
- Whisk in grits and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter and blue cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season grits with salt and black pepper.
- Serve grits topped with buffalo shrimp and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Air fry or bake shrimp for a lighter version.
- Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
- Substitute blue cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
- Reheat shrimp in oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Add milk when reheating grits to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
