Irresistible Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Classic Recipe

Shrimp and grits is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its creamy, cheesy goodness and savory shrimp. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this Southern comfort food classic. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the soul and fills the heart.

I remember the first time I had shrimp and grits at my grandmother’s house. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and as the rain tapped lightly on the window, we gathered around her table, ready to savor every bite of this delightful dish. The combination of buttery grits with succulent shrimp left an unforgettable impression on my culinary journey.

One memorable evening, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious my shrimp and grits turned out—definitely a night to remember!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.

• Grits: Opt for stone-ground grits if possible; they have a richer flavor compared to instant varieties.

• Butter: A generous amount adds creaminess and richness to your dish; never skimp on butter!

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a delightful tang that complements the grits perfectly.

• Bacon: Cooked until crispy, bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor that elevates this dish.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor; avoid powdered garlic when you can.

• Chicken Broth: It adds extra flavor compared to water when cooking your grits.

• Green Onions: Chopped for garnish; they add freshness and color to your final presentation.

• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch gives your dish an exciting kick without overwhelming the palate.

• Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up all the flavors in the dish beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Grits: Start by bringing 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of grits slowly while whisking continuously.

Simmer Away: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let those grits simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add Flavor Bombs!: Mix in 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked grits until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sauté the Shrimp**: In another skillet, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy; remove bacon but keep drippings! Add 1 pound of shrimp along with minced garlic (about 3 cloves) into the pan.

Add Spice**: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper while sautéing shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

The Grand Finale**: Combine bacon back into skillet with shrimp before squeezing fresh lemon juice over it all. Serve over cheesy grits topped with chopped green onions for garnish!

Now you have a deliciously creamy plate of shrimp and grits that would make anyone’s mouth water! You can serve this dish hot during cozy dinners or impress guests at brunch gatherings. Enjoy every bite!

You Must Know

• This delightful shrimp and grits recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting dish
• The creamy grits pair perfectly with the succulent shrimp, creating a warm hug in a bowl
• With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to impress your guests

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the grits first; they need time to thicken while you sauté the shrimp. This way, everything comes together seamlessly for a perfect serving.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for crab or add spices like Old Bay for extra flair. Personalizing your dish makes it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for optimal flavor; frozen can work but may lose some texture
• Cook grits slowly and stir frequently to avoid lumps and achieve creaminess
• Don’t forget to season generously; it makes all the difference in taste

Sharing this dish with friends at my last dinner party was unforgettable. Their delighted reactions reminded me why I love cooking and sharing meals so much.

FAQ

Can I use instant grits for this shrimp and grits recipe?

Yes, instant grits save time but won’t be as creamy as traditional ones.

What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Fresh jumbo shrimp provide the best texture and flavor, but medium-sized ones are also great.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare components separately and reheat before serving for convenience.

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Shrimp and Grits

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy delight of shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With succulent shrimp sautéed to perfection and rich, buttery grits infused with sharp cheddar, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or an impressive dinner party centerpiece, this dish will surely impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally.
2. Once thickened, stir in butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until melted.
3. In a separate skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon but leave drippings. Sauté shrimp with garlic in the drippings for about 3-4 minutes until pink.
4. Add bacon back in along with cayenne pepper and lemon juice; mix well.
5. Serve shrimp mixture over cheesy grits and garnish with chopped green onions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 220mg