Slimmed Down Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

More sharing options

Share on Twitter

4.1 of 5 (72)

Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 277.4

Total Fat: 7.8 g
Cholesterol: 141.7 mg
Sodium: 345.3 mg
Total Carbs: 26.7 g
Dietary Fiber: 4.0 g
Protein: 26.0 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Slimmed Down Shrimp and Cheesy Grits calories by ingredient

Introduction

This is the best kind of healthy recipe makeover: the kind no one will notice. Believe us when we say this dish is one of the best meals we've ever eaten. This is the best kind of healthy recipe makeover: the kind no one will notice. Believe us when we say this dish is one of the best meals we've ever eaten.

Minutes to Prepare: 15

Minutes to Cook: 15

Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

Cheesy grits:

1/2 cup old fashioned grits, not instant

pinch salt

1/4 cup low-fat evaporated milk

1/2 cup shredded 2% sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

Shrimp:

2 teaspoons canola oil

1 onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 bell pepper, diced

1 cup frozen or low-sodium canned corn

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

12 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp, 26-30 count

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon tomato puree

1 cup water

1 1/2 cups low-sodium diced tomatoes

2 green onions, chopped

Tips

Like this recipe? Then you'll love "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight." Click here for more info.

Grits are traditionally made with cream and butter, but I swapped in low-fat evaporated milk. To keep that rich cheese flavor without adding loads of fat, I used a flavorful, full-fat cheese. A little sharp Cheddar goes a long way.

For the shrimp, I used tomato paste to add depth, then included four different vegetables to boost the nutrition.

Directions

Fill a saucepan with 2 1/4 cups of water and the salt. Bring to a boil, then slowly whisk in the grits. Cover and simmer over low heat for 12 minutes, stirring often. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

The grits will thicken as they sit, so you may need to add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water just before serving. The grits should be pourable.

Place a large sautepan over moderate heat. Heat the oil then add the onions, sauteing for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and peppers, cooking another 3 minutes. Add the corn and the flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
Add the tomato paste and the shrimp, cooking for five minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink. Slowly add one cup of water to the saucepan, stirring and scraping to reincorporate any crust that's on the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 5-8 minutes. Add the tomatoes, heat through, and remove from heat.

Place 3/4 cup warm grits into a soup bowl, and top with one cup of the shrimp and vegetables. Sprinkle on one tablespoon of chopped green onions before serving.

Photo credit: PhotoKitchen.net

More sharing options

Share on Twitter

Member Ratings For This Recipe

CD11091241

Incredible!

15 of 15 people found this review helpful

OH MY GOSH!! This was FANTASTIC!!! I challenge anyone who thinks they don't like grits to try this. You will be hooked. I did my grits in a small crock pot with boiling water 1.5 hours on high while I was getting my walk in. They were perfect without me having to watch the stove! - 11/15/11
REILLYGIRRRL

10 of 12 people found this review helpful

I make a similar version of this recipe. A serving of grits (dry) is a 1/4 cup. In this version, you're only getting a 1/2 serving of grits. In my version I put in less cheese and up the grits for about the same calories. - 11/30/11
EASTMINSK

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Help! I live in eastern Canada ... what exactly are grits? All I know is that people in the southern USA eat them. Is there a substitute because I know I have never seen them in a grocery store here... - 11/30/11

Reply from CHEF_MEG (11/30/11)
You can substitute polenta
ROYALTY1022

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

For those who don't eat shrimp you can use salmon patties or reg fish of your choice w/ cheesey grits. It's great with salmon and hotsauce... thanks Eastminsk, grits is processed white corn, In the US it's sold by Quaker brand like Quaker Oatmeal. - 12/5/11
POETLKNG2LOSE

Incredible!

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I loved this recipe so easy to make Chef meg and so good - 10/24/11
OLD-NACL

Good

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

You could substitue polenta but it would be denser, consistentcy-wise, to properly brewed grits. Yes good grits should be fork worthy. I'd also suggest, a sprinkle of low fat cheddar shreds on the individual serving.... - 9/15/13
CLAYLADY001

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Last night I fixed a ham and shrimp dish that I thought was great.I think even my Hubby will like this one.Simply take a piece of thin sandwich ham and wrap it around a large cooked shrimp then cook on the stove for about three to five min.Cook some rice and dinner is served. - 9/15/13
BAMAJAM

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Grits are sometimes considered bland, but with cheese, butter and eggs--- A great casserole can be created. I live in the south and bake a grits casserole of cheese, garlic, eggs & butter. Not a diet dish, but very tasty! (no meat or shrimp)
(Quaker is the popular brand) - 1/22/13
GREASE31

Incredible!

1 of 5 people found this review helpful

I luv this recipe, it soundsd just perfect. - 10/18/12
PIZZA5152

Hard to get ingredients in Canada - 3/4/21
TERMITEMOM

Good

Substituted polenta. I was good. - 2/23/21
JIACOLO

My son in law would love this - 2/23/21
MILPAM3

I'm a purist. Just give me the shrimp. - 2/23/21
FATTOFITFIFTIES

Thanks - 1/27/21
JUSTJ2014

Incredible!

I loved this recipe. I did use cayenne instead of hot sauce. I was out of it. I don't always have evaporated milk so I had to sub for that - 1/26/21
DEE107

thanks for sharing - 1/20/21
SHERYE

WOW this is a wonderful recipe which was so easy to make not to mention delicious too - 1/20/21
WILDKAT781

never had cheesy grits, will have to try. Thanks for sharing - 11/25/20
CD4114015

Incredible!

Thank You - 10/30/20
CD6913562

Great way to enjoy shrimp! - 10/23/20
POSEY440

Bad

Ok - 8/26/20
LISA1468

Bad

I id not like this at all. Tomatoes should never be included in Shrimp & Grits period . - 12/31/19
MOMMY445

Good

good - 12/28/19
NELLJONES

This is a great take on a classic! - 9/17/19
HOTPINKCAMARO49

Ok. - 6/23/19
KACEYSW

Incredible!

This was PERFECT! - 3/18/19
JAMER123

Looks good. I have been wanting to try the grits but haven't. Looks like one to try. - 3/6/19
CJS1MOMMY

O.K.

Didn't like - 3/6/19
RDCAGAIN10

Very Good

It is good to have delicious food - 3/4/19
TOMATOCAFEGAL

Very Good

haha. don't like grits? try polenta as a sub. - 1/22/19
4CONNIESHEALTH

Incredible!

Best recipe I've had in a while!!! I will make this again. - 1/20/19
MBPP50

Great - 1/20/19
JANIEWWJD

This recipe is fantastic!!! - 12/31/18
ELRIDDICK

Very Good

Thanks for sharing - 12/29/18
ARTJAC

NICE - 12/29/18
RO2BENT

shrimp and grits, interesting combo... - 11/15/18
SUNSHINE99999

yummy - 10/18/18
CECELW

Very Good

This is pretty good. I just tweaked it a little bit - 10/5/18
LOSER05

Incredible!

Yum. - 9/17/18
WHITEANGEL4

Very Good

Love my cheese grits and shrimp - 9/12/18
CHERIRIDDELL

interresting - 9/11/18
ROSSYFLOSSY

Incredible!

So delicious! - 8/13/18
JUNETTA2002

Very Good

Great recipe loved the combination - 6/3/18
1CRAZYDOG

Incredible!

Delicious and so many ways to change it up to your own taste! - 6/3/18
RYCGIRL

very good - 6/3/18
NASFKAB

Interesting idea must try - 5/26/18
REDROBIN47

This sounds like something I would enjoy but I don't think DH would care for it as he doesn't like grits. I am going to try it for myself. - 5/13/18
LESSOFMOORE

Sounds delicious! - 5/13/18
BILLTHOMSON

Good

First time grits maker. They were delicious, but have to be cautious being diabetic - 5/13/18
GAOUDI

I have to try this, looks delicious! - 11/9/17
BIKE4HEALTH

I love grits....I appreciate a recipe like this that's geared more to health with great flavor - 11/5/17
BARCELONAME

YUMMY - 10/30/17
2DAWN4

Interesting combo! - 10/21/17
AJB121299

interesting - 10/21/17
CHEFTONITO

Incredible!

Southern comfort without the guilt. - 9/23/17
SUSANBEAMON

I have never made pourable grits before. They should be spoonable, like mashed potatoes. - 8/31/17
LOVELY*LADY

yum - 8/30/17
CHERYLHURT

Love this! - 8/28/17
BUSYGRANNY5

Incredible!

This is a great recipe! Love the flavors! - 8/28/17
PHHHISC

The shrimp is delicious. - 8/26/17
LOSEWEIGHT1212

YUMMY! - 8/23/17
RHOOK20047

Incredible!

I thought I didn't like grits, but this was fantastic. I loved it! And I love shrimp so this was a win-win! - 8/23/17
RAZZOOZLE

O.K.

not for me - 8/23/17
SISTERPRETTY

Will be trying this... - 8/21/17
SKIMBRO

Very Good

Cooking this today/ - 8/13/17
CJSTANBACK

Incredible!

This recipe is absolutely the best!!! I made this for my husband and me for a Sunday breakfast. First time ever either one of us has eaten shrimp and grits, but this is so incredible. Definitely will be making this again and soon. - 8/6/17
GEORGE815

Great combination here. Grits, cheese, and shrimp. - 8/1/17
MRL1993

- 3/4/17
CLAY10237

Why do we never learn what is "a serving size" in these recipes? - 10/21/16
ROMEO1210

Bad

Was very disappointed in this dish!! Would not make again--very bland!! - 7/29/16
TIME2BOOGIE2

This recipe looks great. I make shrimp and grits too, however I grill my shrimp on the BBQ, make my grits with water and salt, add a small amount of low-fat cheese, and mine comes out delicious but fewer calories. Granted, I also use 1/4 cup of grits (a regular serving). - 10/5/15
FALLERSGIRL

Incredible!

i loved this recipe and so did my boyfriend (he thinks anything low calorie is going to be terrible)!!! Thank you for helping me prove him WRONG!! :-)
- 9/23/15
TBULLUCKS06

Good

It was just ok for me. - 5/29/14
SLIMCHICKADEE

Incredible!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This was great! I used cornstarch instead of flour, and it was gluten free and still super yummy! - 10/18/13
EX-SKINNY60

I have a wonderful way for EASTMINSK to acquire her grits. Go to MY BRANDS.com and they will ship it to you. They even have hard to find products. - 10/3/13
NONNAOF2

O.K.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The grits are great, but shrimp with something cheesy just doesn't fit my pallet. - 9/15/13
VIKYLEE1

TEEriffic! Love them grits! Shrimp not too shabby as well. Doin' this one often. - 9/15/13
BWIDMANN

Incredible!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not a fan of grits but love this recipe with pearl couscous.

- 9/15/13
TURTLETALK

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I will have to try this as my favorite Southern dish is cheese and grits. I do have a question, however. is there such a thing as whole grain grits? - 9/15/13
RTCLASS2013

Incredible!

OH MY!!!!! This was soooooo good, I could go on and on about this recipe, but you will have to let your tastebuds experience what mine did, they won"t be disappointed, trust me!!!! - 7/18/13
CD13946058

Incredible!

this is SO DELICIOUS! - 6/3/13
CD13658381

Incredible!

Omg it sounds awesome.. I love shrimp and grits, gonna have to try this one for sure!! - 3/5/13
ROBBIEY

I am definitely going to try this recipe. It looks great and the total calorie count is not bad. - 2/3/13
BELINAJ1

Incredible!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Can you use frozen shrimp in this dish or do I need to look for fresh shrimp? - 1/19/13
CD13453085

Incredible!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Low calorie twist on one of my favorite dishes, Shrimp & Grits! - 1/19/13
PATRICIAANN46

Incredible!

This is wonderful!!!!! My husband isn't crazy about Grits and he had seconds. - 1/19/13
ANGELA3511

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I'm a southern (US) girl, so I love grits. However, sadly, I'm severely allergic to shrimp. Do you think this would work well with blackened chicken or something non-seafood? (After getting ill from eating even salmon or tuna cooked near shrimp so many times, I can't even eat those anymore!) - 1/19/13

Reply from CHEF_MEG (1/24/13)
Hey, from one southern girl to another- heck yes- blackened chicken would taste great. Chef Meg
CD7931660

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Trying this recipe tonight... after a recent trip to Charleston and enjoying the wonderful shrimp and grits from the "low country", I can't wait to sample this! - 11/7/12
JPM4118

Good

It was good but I have a question. The ingredients list says tomato puree but in the directions it says tomato paste. Which one is it? - 10/18/12
MALA77

OMG this looks GOOD!!!!! Oh I have to try this one too. SP has SO many recipes that sound just incredible. THANKS!!!! ;o) - 10/18/12
JMOUSE99

Is coarse cornmeal the same thing as grits? - 7/25/12
AGRENANCO

Incredible!

I added some chili garlic paste to give it some extra zing, but it was very good....even better day #2 when everything melded together! - 2/28/12
QUILTRGRL

grits = polenta except for it is white instead of yellow. International folks have a readily available option! - 2/24/12
SEXYMOMMA1947

Incredible!

i tried this and i love it. im a sucker for seafood - 2/19/12
DRB13_1

Very Good

I look forward to making the entire recipe. This morning I was in the mood for salmon & grits, so adapted the recipe. The grits were tasty, although I might try a combo of cheddar and mozarella next time. Definately will keep in the recipe rotation! - 1/20/12
CMFARRELL36

0 of 2 people found this review helpful

The recipe for the shrimp bit sounds really quite good.
But the Grits - what are they?
Please remember that SP has members from all around the world, not just USA.
There are so many recipes here that seem to depend on US shops and shopping - I find it sooooo off-putting, that I really have to say - 1/19/12
ACINNOREV

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

great tasting dinner and it surely hits all the right spots on a cold winter day. By the way grits are available at many Bulk Barns in Ontario, just ask. - 1/19/12
CD4333471

I would love to make these, but we don't have grits in France. My Florida heart is breaking!

Looks delicious! - 1/19/12
LEANJEAN6

Incredible!

oh my Goodness--I love grits--This is delicious! - 1/19/12
MAMAHEY

Incredible!

I made this for a Saturday night dinner instead of going out to eat. Nobody complained. It was delicious; high in taste; low in sodium. Leftovers were even betters as the flavors melded even more. I love shrimp and grits, but usually avoid ordering it out due to high fat and salt content. Thanks - 12/13/11