Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure Southern comfort with this irresistible Shrimp and Grits recipe! This classic dish combines creamy, cheesy grits with succulent shrimp in a flavorful sauce that’ll have you licking your plate clean. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors that’ll transport you straight to the coastal South with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy grits paired with the savory shrimp create a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Grits: The foundation of the dish. They soak up all the flavors and provide a creamy base.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and extra creaminess to the grits.
- Bacon: Provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture contrast.
- Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Shrimp: The star of the show! Use fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings the heat and authentic Southern flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and richness.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish with a touch of acidity.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Go Green: Stir in some baby spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Switch the Protein: Try using andouille sausage or chicken instead of shrimp.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Parmesan in your grits.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits
Step 1: Cook the Grits
Bring water and salt to a boil, then slowly whisk in the grits. Simmer and stir often until cooked, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
While the grits cook, crisp up the bacon in a skillet. Remove bacon and sauté bell pepper in the drippings. Add shrimp, green onions, garlic, and seasonings. Cook briefly, then add broth and simmer.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Stir bacon and lemon juice into the shrimp mixture. Spoon this delicious concoction over your creamy grits and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Stir your grits frequently to prevent scorching and achieve maximum creaminess.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they’ll continue cooking in the hot sauce.
- Save that bacon grease! It adds incredible flavor to the shrimp and vegetables.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure smooth sailing.
How to Serve
Serve your Shrimp and Grits piping hot in deep bowls. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold sweet tea for the ultimate Southern experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store grits and shrimp mixture separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the shrimp mixture (without the grits) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat grits with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess. Warm the shrimp mixture in a skillet over low heat.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, you can use quick-cooking grits, but adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Stone-ground grits offer a better texture and flavor, though.
What’s the best way to prevent my shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly. They’ll continue cooking in the hot sauce, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking initially.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a delicious meat-free version.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate with the amount of Cajun seasoning specified. You can easily adjust it to your taste by adding more or less seasoning, or by including some hot sauce.
This Shrimp and Grits recipe is a true Southern treasure that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy grits, succulent shrimp, and flavorful sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish is approachable and guaranteed to impress. So grab your apron and get ready to create a little taste of the South in your own kitchen!
Print
Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern comfort dish that combines creamy, cheesy grits with savory shrimp and bacon. This flavorful meal features perfectly cooked stone-ground grits topped with a zesty shrimp mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty, soul-warming meal.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 4 1/2 cups water (1080mL)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (140g)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (168g)
- 3 tablespoons butter
For the Shrimp:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped (168g)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (250g)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (454g)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (180mL)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits: In a medium pot, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, stir in cheese and butter until melted. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook the Bacon: While the grits are cooking, cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper to the bacon drippings and sauté over medium heat for about 4 minutes until tender.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp, green onions, garlic, cajun seasoning, and salt to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer the shrimp mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the shrimp to cook through.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the cooked bacon and lemon juice. Spoon the shrimp mixture over the warm grits and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Stir the grits frequently to prevent burning and ensure a smooth consistency.
- For extra creamy grits, add ¼ cup heavy cream or replace half the water with whole milk.
- Use the bacon grease to cook the vegetables and shrimp for added flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tender texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
