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
Units
Scale
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