Description
Shrimp and Grits is a comforting Southern classic made with creamy cheddar grits, tender shrimp, crispy bacon, and a savory pan sauce with garlic, onion, and a touch of Cajun spice. It is rich, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth, divided
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring 3 cups chicken broth and the milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until tender.
3. Stir the cheddar cheese and butter into the cooked grits, then season with salt and black pepper. Keep warm.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Leave 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet, then add the onion and cook until softened.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Add the flour, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika, stirring well to coat the onions.
8. Pour in the remaining 1 cup chicken broth and stir until the sauce is smooth and lightly thickened.
9. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
10. Stir in the lemon juice, half of the green onions, half of the parsley, and the cooked bacon.
11. Spoon the warm grits into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture.
12. Finish with the remaining green onions and parsley, then serve immediately.
Notes
Use stone-ground grits for the best texture, but stir often so they stay smooth and do not stick.
Do not overcook the shrimp or they can turn rubbery very quickly.
If the grits thicken too much before serving, stir in a splash of warm milk or broth to loosen them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
Keywords: shrimp and grits, southern shrimp and grits, creamy grits recipe, cajun shrimp and grits