Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that combines tender shrimp with creamy grits. While the shrimp and grits are the stars of the show, the right vegetables can take this dish to the next level. Choosing vegetables that pair well with both the sweet shrimp and earthy grits is key. The vegetables should complement the other ingredients and add color, texture, and freshness to the dish. When looking for the perfect vegetable to serve with shrimp and grits, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Factors to Consider
When selecting vegetables for shrimp and grits, consider the following factors:
Flavor
Choose vegetables that will accentuate the sweet and briny flavor of the shrimp as well as the rich, savory grits. Look for vegetables that will provide a contrasting flavor that complements the dish. For example, bright, acidic vegetables can cut through the richness of the grits.
Texture
Aim for a mix of textures – crispy, tender, and soft. This gives the dish more interest. For example, pairing a tender vegetable like asparagus with a crispy vegetable like bell peppers provides variation.
Color
Incorporate vegetables with bright, vibrant colors to make the dish more visually appealing. Vibrant greens, reds, oranges will make the shrimp and grits more eye-catching.
Ease of Preparation
Consider how much preparation the vegetables will require and choose options that are relatively easy to prepare. Quick-cooking vegetables are ideal to avoid overcomplicating the dish.
Seasonality
When possible, use vegetables that are in season. Seasonal produce is freshest and heightens the flavor of the dish.
The Best Vegetables for Shrimp and Grits
Taking these factors into consideration, here are some of the best vegetables to pair with classic shrimp and grits:
Corn
Sweet corn is one of the most popular and traditional choices. The natural sweetness of corn complements the shrimp beautifully. You can prepare it in different ways – grill it, sauté it, or add fresh corn kernels. Fresher is better to highlight the sweet flavor.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes pair excellently with Southern dishes like shrimp and grits. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness. Larger tomatoes can be roasted or grilled to concentrate their flavor – the charred edges add smokiness. Diced tomatoes also work well.
Okra
Okra is a staple of Southern cooking and its slimy texture gives body to the grits. It also pairs well with the seasonings like Cajun seasoning often used on the shrimp. Fried or stewed okra adds moisture and absorbs flavors.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a versatile choice. Their crisp texture and subtle sweetness offsets the shrimp and grits nicely. Red, yellow or orange peppers add vibrant color. You can grill, roast or sauté peppers or add them raw for crunch.
Onions
Onions accentuate the savory qualities of the dish. Red onions offer color and crunch while cooked Vidalia or other sweet onions caramelize and add deep, sweet flavor. Green onions add fresh onion flavor without overpowering.
Greens
Hearty Southern greens like collard, mustard, or turnip greens provide texture and earthiness. Slow cooked greens complement the grits.
Asparagus
The short cooking time of asparagus makes it ideal for shrimp and grits. Quickly grilled or sautéed asparagus spears add crisp texture. Choose thick asparagus for bold flavor.
Carrots
Carrots work well when julienned, shredded or roasted. They add a hint of sweetness and color. A garnish of shredded carrots or quick-pickled carrots brightens up the dish.
Other Good Options
In addition to the vegetables above, here are some other good choices:
Zucchini/Summer Squash
Zucchini or yellow squash hold up well when quickly sautéed or grilled, adding moisture and color.
Potatoes
Potatoes pair nicely with shrimp. Small red potatoes can be roasted or new potatoes can be boiled and mashed with herbs.
Beans
Southern beans like black-eyed peas, lima beans or green beans provide protein. Slow cooked or quickly sautéed beans work with the grits.
Peas
Fresh or frozen peas lend sweetness and color to the dish. Opt for sweet peas like sugar snap peas.
Cauliflower
Roasted or riced cauliflower adds texture and neutral flavor, allowing the shrimp to stand out.
Spinach
Quickly wilted spinach is tasty with shrimp. Baby spinach works well raw in salads with shrimp.
Broccoli
Broccoli florets can be roasted or sautéed and provide texture and nutrition.
Mushrooms
Meaty mushrooms like cremini can be sautéed and served over the grits for added umami flavor.
Choosing Vegetable Combinations
The options are endless when mixing and matching vegetables with shrimp and grits. Here are some tasty combinations:
Corn and Tomatoes
The sweetness of corn and acidity of tomatoes balance each other perfectly. Roast them together for caramelized flavor.
Okra and Onions
Sautéed okra and onions is a quintessential Southern side. The slick okra thickens the grits deliciously.
Asparagus and Carrots
The contrast of tender asparagus and shredded carrots makes for varied textures.
Bell Peppers and Potatoes
A mix of grilled bell peppers and crushed roasted potatoes gives you both crunch and creaminess.
Greens and Mushrooms
Wilted greens paired with sautéed mushrooms lend lots of earthy flavors.
Seasonal Vegetable Chart
Here is a chart of vegetables that pair well with shrimp and grits by season:
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Corn | Sweet Potatoes | Carrots |
| Green peas | Zucchini | Bell peppers | Potatoes |
| Green onions | Tomatoes | Brussels sprouts | Broccoli |
| Spinach | Okra | Cauliflower | Kale |
| Radishes | Green beans | Squash | Turnips |
| Lettuce | Eggplant | Sweet potatoes | Parsnips |
This chart shows some of the vegetables in peak season each time of year that work well in shrimp and grits. Focus on what’s fresh and abundant for optimal flavor.
Choosing Cooking Methods
How you prepare the vegetables makes a difference in how they complement the shrimp and grits. Here are some cooking methods to consider:
Roasting
Roasting concentrates flavors and caramelizes vegetables. Use for tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes.
Grilling
Grilling adds delicious charred flavor. Ideal for corn, peppers, onions, asparagus.
Sautéing
Quick sautéing retains crispness and bright flavor. Good for okra, carrots, zucchini, spinach.
Stewing
Slow cooking collard or turnip greens makes them tender.
Adding Raw
Thinly slice radishes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes for fresh contrast.
Mixing cooking methods (roasting then sautéing, grilling then adding raw on top) provides more complex flavors.
Seasoning Vegetables
Properly seasoning the vegetables is key to making them work with the classic shrimp and grits flavor profile. Consider these seasoning ideas:
Cajun Seasoning
The same Cajun spice blend used on the shrimp can flavor the vegetables. Good on corn, peppers, greens.
Creole Mustard
Mustard adds tangy flavor. Use in vinaigrettes for raw vegetable salads. Also good brushed on vegetables before roasting.
Garlic
Garlic seasoning complements shrimp well. Sauté vegetables in garlic butter or roast garlic cloves alongside.
Onion
Onions enhance savoriness. Caramelize onions to heighten flavor.
Paprika
Smoked paprika can mimic barbeque flavors. Works on potatoes, mushrooms and more.
Thyme
Thyme adds woodsy flavor to greens, tomatoes and okra.
Lemon
Brighten up vegetables with a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest.
Putting It All Together
Here is an example of how to bring everything together for a stellar shrimp and grits dish:
Ingredients
– Shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Cheese grits
– Corn, grilled
– Zucchini, sautéed
– Grape tomatoes, roasted
– Green onion, thinly sliced
Seasonings
– Cajun seasoning, divided
– Butter
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare grits according to package instructions with milk or half and half for creaminess. When finished, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Toss shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning.
3. Brush corn with olive oil and season with remaining Cajun seasoning. Grill until charred.
4. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender crisp.
5. Toss grape tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400F for 10-15 minutes until blistered.
6. Top cooked grits with shrimp and spoon vegetables over top. Garnish with green onions and serve with lemon wedges.
The mix of textures from the corn, zucchini, and tomatoes paired with the spicy Cajun shrimp and creamy grits is incredibly tasty and satisfying. Vary the vegetable combinations by season for fresh flavors. Shrimp and grits is endlessly adaptable.
Conclusion
Shrimp and grits deserve flavorful, fresh vegetable pairings to reach their full potential. Choosing vegetables that complement the shrimp and enrich the grits is key. Opt for produce in peak season and use cooking methods that highlight the vegetables’ flavors. Popular choices like corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and greens are safe bets. But venturing into less expected options like carrots, radishes, and broccoli can yield delicious results too. With so many directions to explore, part of the fun is experimenting with different vegetable combinations to find new favorite versions of this Southern classic.