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Tex-Mex Shrimp and Grits

Tex-Mex Shrimp and Grits are a fun twist on a Southern classic. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day with a Southern Tex-Mex mash-up. Cheesy grits topped with a Southwestern flavored chicken sausage, black bean and shrimp mixture. Don't forget all of your favorite taco toppings!
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

Grits:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup coarse yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken sausage
  • 1 large yellow onion diced and divided
  • 2 jalapeños diced and divided
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined and tails on
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large avocados
  • 3 medium tomatoes diced and divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped and divided
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

  • To make the grits, combine the water, milk and salt in a medium pot. Set over moderate heat and bring up to a low simmer. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the grits have softened, about 20 minutes. Season with black pepper, a bit more salt (if needed), and cayenne pepper. Stir in the butter and cheese until melted through. Lower the flame and keep warm.
  • In the meantime, set a large skillet over medium-high heat with the oil. Once hot, add the sausage, removed from it's casing, and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon until golden and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir half of the onion, and half of the jalapeño and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes. Add the shrimp and beans, and cook until the shrimp is pink and no longer gray, about 15 to 18 minutes. Season with a big pinch of salt and pepper, and the rest of the spices. Keep warm over low heat.
  • To make the guacamole, in a medium bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until somewhat chunky. Stir in half of the remaining onion, half of the remaining jalapeño, half of the tomatoes, half of the cilantro, half of the lime juice, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • To make the pico de gallo, in a medium bowl, combine the remaining onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until evenly combined.
  • To assemble the shrimp and grits, divide the grits among 4 large bowl, and top with the sausage and shrimp mixture. Top each with a scoop of guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, cotija and cilantro. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Author: The Candid Appetite