Recipes & Food Pairing Ideas

From time to time, I am asked what people should eat Chimi Caliente with? I usually say everything but that's a lazy response, although just about true. I'm going to tell you honestly that the sauce is incredible with meat, seafood, veggies, fries, tots, Mexican food of course, pizza and chips. But what else can you add it to? 

Recently a friend told me he added it to his Alfredo Sauce. Wow, that sounds amazing! And now I have another WOW for you. Shrimp & Grits. See, I'm from the South and love the food I grew up with. The "kick" of the chimichurri will delight the heck out of you, I promise. So, I challenge you to add Chimi Caliente to your shrimp and grits. Please tell me how you like it! 

Ingredients:

For the Grits:

  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Grits:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil.
  2. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low.
  3. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thickened and tender (about 5-7 minutes for quick-cooking grits).
  4. Stir in the cheddar cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, and season with smoked paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.

3. Serve:

  1. Spoon the creamy grits onto plates or bowls.
  2. Top with the cooked shrimp.
  3. Add Chimi Caliente onto the shrimp

Provecho! (that's Spanish for "enjoy your meal!")