Instant Pot Shrimp and Grits

Cajun-style shrimp and sauce with southern-style grits.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Southern

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 409kcal

Using the sauté setting on your Instant Pot, add oil and sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes until the fat is rendered and the edges are crisp.
In an oven-safe glass bowl, whisk together the grits, milk, and chicken stock. Set aside.
Add onions to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking for one minute.
Add wine and cook for about 5 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add tomatoes, thyme, and creole seasoning, and mix well.
Place a 3-inch trivet in the Instant Pot, then place the bowl of grits on top of the trivet. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10 minutes).
Carefully remove the bowl from the Instant Pot. Add butter to the grits and whisk well to break up any clumps. Cover until ready to serve.
Switch the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting. Add parsley and green onions and mix well. Bring to a boil.
Add shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the shrimp turn pink.
Add the cream and mix well before the shrimp are fully cooked. Switch the pot to the warm setting.

Expert Tips

It is common for people to overcook their shrimp. When shrimp is done, it is pink with red tails, and the flesh is slightly opaque. The shrimp will be slightly white. Do not eat gray or translucent shrimp (clear) after cooking. If your shrimp are a bright white, they are most likely overcooked. Likewise, if shrimp is tightly curled, it is most likely overcooked. The internal temperature of fully cooked shrimp is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
We use Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning for this recipe. If your store does not carry this brand, you can substitute another Creole seasoning or any type of spicy seasoning you choose. If you don’t want spicy seasoning, use a teaspoon of salt and any other spices you want.
If you are making a double batch, I recommend cooking the grits separately, as they will not fit in one bowl in the Instant Pot. You can double everything else in the IP. However, I wouldn’t double the creole seasoning. I’d recommend using 1 ½ tbs rather than 2 full tablespoons. Cook time would remain the same.

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What can I use instead of andouille sausage? Smoked sausage or chorizo can be good substitutes.

Can I use regular grits instead of quick grits? Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine? Chicken broth or water mixed with 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar can work.