Tequila Shrimp Polenta

I've never had shrimp and grits before. My friend down south is always talking about how amazing they are! This inspired me to check out some recipes and see what kind of twist I could put on it. Also my friend came over this weekend and we enjoyed a Margarita......or three :D.  That was also inspiring!
I didn't have grits or cilantro on hand.  I noticed most recipes called for both of these. Now you know my secret. I read recipes until I'm blue in the face and put my own twist on them. Not always but sometimes when I really need help coming up with something.  What I did have was fresh parsley and polenta. So I figured what the heck let's give this a try!

Tequila Shrimp


1 pound of shrimp, peeled, devein
1/4 cup of Tequila (and maybe a shot for you?)
2 tablespoons of Margarita Lim Mix already made in a bottle. ( I would have used lime juice but I didn't have any of that either.  It was my shopping day what can I say!)
1/2 cup fresh chopped Parsley, or Cilantro if you have it
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sea salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
Mix everything (except for garlic) together in a bowl, cover and put in fridge for two hours.


For the Polenta:


1/2 cup instant polenta (yellow cornmeal)
2 cups water
pinch of salt
1/2 cup Mexican Cheese blend


For the Polenta, bring 2 cups water and salt to a boil. Add in polenta and whisk constantly on low heat (barely boiling) for about 8 minutes. Stir in the cheese until it's well incorporated and melted. Cover and set aside.  Heat oil in a pan and add garlic, cook until light golden brown. Add shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Do not over cook! You will see it turn pink, once you see that it's done cooking. Otherwise you will have rubber for dinner! Yuck. Most importantly please, please, please devein the shrimp. It's that little black line you see? We won't tell you what it is for sake of not losing our dinner......just trust us on this one ok
Spoon polenta onto a plate and top with shrimp.
Serve with a Margarita......or three and enjoy!