You know, I used to think cooking a really good meal meant spending hours in the kitchen, surrounded by a mountain of ingredients. I vividly remember one summer evening, wanting to impress friends, I picked a recipe that looked fancy but practically required a trip to a specialty store and a culinary degree! By the time I was done, I was wiped out, and everyone was starving. That disaster taught me that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s exactly why I’m so excited about these 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss). They prove you can whip up something absolutely delicious, like these amazing shrimp and grits, with just a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Seriously, if you’re looking for a meal that ticks all the boxes without pulling your hair out, you’ve found it! These 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss) are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. You get:
- Super Easy Prep: Minimal chopping, simple steps – what’s not to love?
- Lightning Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in under an hour, usually much less!
- Incredible Flavor: Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you; these dishes pack a punch.
- Pantry Friendly: Most ingredients are things you probably already have.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! For these amazing fuss-free shrimp and grits, you’ll need a few things. First up, for the creamy grits, grab your chicken broth (about 4 cups) and some good old stone-ground corn grits (1 1/2 cups). Don’t forget the salt – just a scant 3/4 teaspoon to start, we can add more later. Then for that cheesy goodness, we’re using 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. This makes them so dreamy!
Now for the star of the show – the shrimp! You’ll need 1 tablespoon of butter to get things started in the skillet. Then, we’ll toss in 1 cup of diced green bell pepper, 4 sliced green onions, and 3 minced cloves of garlic. Oh, the smell already! Next, we’ll add 2 cups of diced tomatoes (make sure they have their juices!), a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to get the sauce going. And of course, a pound of nice, plump shrimp, all peeled and deveined. A dash or two of your favorite hot sauce is totally optional but recommended for a little kick!
Effortless Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, get ready to see just how easy this is! We’re going to knock out these delicious shrimp and grits without breaking a sweat.
Cooking the Creamy Grits
First things first, let’s get those grits going. In a big saucepan, pour in your chicken broth, the corn grits, and that 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring it all to a boil over high heat, giving it a little stir every now and then. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring pretty often. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re nice and creamy and all that liquid has been absorbed. Remember, patience here makes for super creamy grits!
Preparing the Flavorful Shrimp Mixture
Now, let’s make that amazing shrimp topping. Grab a skillet and melt that tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced green bell pepper, the sliced green onions, and all that chopped garlic. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes until the pepper starts to soften up. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the Cajun seasoning, and the half cup of chicken broth. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes. Now, add your pound of beautiful shrimp! Cook them for just 3-4 minutes, stirring gently, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get tough! If you’re looking for other super quick shrimp ideas, check out this garlic butter shrimp sheet pan recipe – it’s another winner!
Bringing It All Together for Your 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Time to plate this beauty! Spoon generous servings of those warm, creamy grits into your bowls. Then, pile that glorious shrimp and veggie mixture right on top. If you’ve got some fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of that is lovely, and a little squeeze of lemon just brightens everything up beautifully. See? Delicious doesn’t have to be complicated at all with these 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)! It’s a meal that feels special but is honestly so simple. For another great take on this classic, you can also look at this shrimp and grits recipe.
Tips for Shrimp Recipe Success
Okay, let’s chat about how to make this shrimp recipe absolutely sing every single time. My biggest tip? Don’t overcook the shrimp! Seriously, they cook in about 3 to 4 minutes, and after that, they get rubbery. Watch them like a hawk – when they turn pink and curl up, they’re DONE. If you’re looking for other easy seafood ideas, this garlic butter salmon and asparagus is also a super simple winner. Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning; taste as you go and adjust that salt and spice to make it perfect for *you*.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes little details make all the difference, right? Let’s talk about a couple of things in this recipe. For the grits, if you can find stone-ground corn grits, GO FOR IT! They have the best texture, super creamy and satisfying. If not, regular corn grits work fine, just avoid the instant stuff because it gets mushy. And that Cajun seasoning? It’s kind of key for a little kick! If you don’t have it, don’t sweat it; you can make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of thyme, or just use a good quality Creole seasoning you might have on hand. It’s all about getting that flavor!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This shrimp and grits is best served piping hot, right out of the skillet. Spoon those fluffy, cheesy grits into shallow bowls and top generously with the flavorful shrimp mixture. A little sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice really make it pop! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, or use the microwave, stirring halfway through to keep it creamy and prevent the shrimp from getting tough. For more fantastic quick shrimp ideas, you should totally check out this honey garlic shrimp stir fry!
Frequently Asked Questions about 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Got questions about whipping up these easy shrimp dishes? I’ve got answers!
Can I use frozen shrimp for these 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are totally fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start cooking – usually, I pop them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes, then drain and pat them dry really well. This helps them cook up perfectly without getting watery.
What makes these shrimp recipes ‘no fuss’?
The “no fuss” part really comes down to a few things: a short ingredient list (most under 25 items, as you can tell!), quick prep and cook times, and simple steps. You won’t need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s all about getting delicious results fast, perfect for those busy nights!
Can I add more vegetables to the shrimp mix?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking veggies like chopped zucchini, spinach, or even corn. Just make sure to add them at the right time so they don’t get overcooked. A little extra color and nutrition never hurt anyone!
Is the garlic essential in these recipes?
Oh, for sure! Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, especially in recipes like this shrimp and grits. It adds such a wonderful depth. If you’re not a huge garlic fan, you can reduce the amount a little, but I really wouldn’t skip it entirely if you can help it. For more ideas, check out all our recipes!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate based on the ingredients listed. Actual values can vary depending on the specific brands you use and how much you pour or sprinkle! But generally, you’re looking at around 624 calories, 39g protein, 27g fat, and 57g carbohydrates per serving.
25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large saucepan, combine broth, corn grits, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, bring down to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until creamy and cooked through.
- Once the grits are done, remove them from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, butter, and heavy cream until smooth and melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Cover to keep warm.
- In a skillet, melt the butter. Add the bell pepper, green onions, and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until the pepper is tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through. Season with salt to taste.
- Spoon the grits into bowls, top with the shrimp mixture, and sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve with hot sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Visual Culinary Artist & Aesthetic Designer
When the pandemic killed my career as a luxury hotel photographer overnight, I was stuck in my studio apartment with nothing but time and vegetables. That’s when I started treating meal prep like photography projects—and discovered that the same principles that made five-star dishes camera-ready could turn humble zucchini noodles into social media gold.
My fine arts degree from Parsons taught me that people eat with their eyes first. After years behind the lens capturing haute cuisine, I realized that successful dieting often depends more on visual satisfaction than pure nutrition. When your food looks amazing, you actually want to stick with your eating plan.
My recipe development feels more like an art studio than a test kitchen. I use color theory to guide ingredient selections—purple cabbage with golden cauliflower, emerald herbs against ivory cheese. My “Edible Landscapes” series transforms standard low-carb ingredients into miniature scenic compositions that make vegetables feel aspirational rather than obligatory.
I spend evenings exploring art galleries and practicing watercolor painting, always looking for inspiration. My philosophy is simple: make low-carb food visually irresistible, and dietary compliance becomes an aesthetic choice rather than a health sacrifice.