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Brown Stew Shrimp with Sweet Potato Grits Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender brown stew shrimp served over creamy sweet potato-infused grits. The combination of aromatic spices, slow-simmered shrimp, and cheesy sweet potato grits creates a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Grits

  • 3 ½ cups water, plus more as needed
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups grits (not instant)
  • ½ cup sweet potato puree (or pumpkin puree)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup half and half
  • 1 cup shredded gouda cheese (or sharp cheddar cheese)
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Brown Stew Shrimp

  • 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail on or off)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 large carrot, finely diced
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, deseeded & chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoons browning sauce (such as Grace browning)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock
  • ¼ cup sliced scallions, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Grits: In a large saucepan, bring 3 ½ cups water, 1 cup chicken broth or stock, and kosher salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits a little at a time to prevent clumping, stirring well until smoothly blended. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer. Frequently whisk the grits during cooking to prevent lumps. Cook until tender, approximately 30 minutes. Add a splash of water if the grits become too stiff, aiming for a thick yet creamy texture.
  2. Finish the Grits: Stir in the sweet potato puree, 2 tablespoons butter, half and half, shredded cheese, and white pepper until fully combined. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Keep warm on the lowest heat setting while preparing the shrimp.
  3. Marinate the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, combine shrimp with avocado oil, smoked paprika, ground allspice, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers, onion, carrot, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger paste, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add browning sauce and mix well to combine all flavors.
  5. Cook the Brown Stew Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp, 1 cup chicken broth or stock, and sliced scallions to the skillet. Toss to combine. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly to coat the shrimp beautifully.
  6. Serve: Divide the warm sweet potato grits evenly among serving bowls. Spoon the brown stew shrimp over the grits. Garnish with additional sliced scallions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Use stone-ground or regular grits, not instant, for the best texture.
  • If grits get too thick during cooking, add a little water to loosen them.
  • Adjust the heat level by the amount of scotch bonnet pepper used; remove all seeds to reduce spice.
  • Marinating the shrimp helps infuse the seasoning deeply for better flavor.
  • Browning sauce adds a traditional rich color and umami flavor but can be substituted with soy sauce if unavailable.
  • Gouda cheese provides a creamy, melty texture; sharp cheddar works well as an alternative.

Keywords: brown stew shrimp, sweet potato grits, Caribbean shrimp recipe, creamy grits, seafood stew, comfort food, spicy shrimp, gouda cheese grits

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/brown-stew-shrimp-with-sweet-potato-grits-recipe/