Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
338 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits
Description
This recipe prepares grits by slowly cooking them in a mix of milk and vegetable broth until creamy and tender, then folding in butter and sharp cheddar cheese for richness and flavor. Separately, bacon is rendered until crisp, followed by onions and garlic softening. Shrimp are cooked with a spice blend of cayenne, cinnamon, and kosher salt for gentle heat and warmth, then combined with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to produce a light sauce.
The dish is served by portioning warm grits into bowls topped with the shrimp and sauce, presenting a layered combination of creamy, cheesy base with spicy, savory seafood and bacon. The cinnamon adds an unusual but subtle depth that harmonizes with the cayenne's heat.
Timing the cooking so the shrimp finish as the grits complete ensures ideal serving temperature and texture. The recipe advises storing shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers to maintain quality. Grits can be reheated with milk to restore creaminess, while shrimp and sauce should be reheated gently. While shrimp in sauce freeze well, the dairy-based grits do not freeze effectively.
Ingredients
Grits Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Shrimp Ingredients
- 12 oz. Shrimp
- 1 lice Bacon thick slices, diced
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 onion small, sliced thinly
- 12 oz diced tomatoes petite
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ Tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 dash cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp. parsley for garnish
Instructions
Grits Instructions:
- Bring milk and vegetable broth to a boil, and slowly add the grits ¼ cup at a time. Stir frequently to avoid clumping.
- Mix in the butter, and cook on low for about 20 minutes. (Now would be a good time to start the shrimp while to grits cook.)
- After the grits have cooked for 20 minutes, toss in the cheese and stir to blend.
Shrimp Instructions:
- In a small dish blend together salt, cayenne, and cinnamon.
- Begin cooking bacon in a non-stick skillet.
- Once the bacon begins to turn brown, add in the onion, and garlic and continue to cook until onion is translucent.
- Toss in the shrimp, and cook until the shrimp starts to turn pink on both sides. Sprinkle with spice mixture while cooking.
- Add in the tomatoes, and the vegetable broth.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Divide grits equally into 6 bowls, and top with shrimp.
Notes
- Start cooking the shrimp while the grits simmer to have both components ready simultaneously.
- Store grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers; grits last 3 days refrigerated and should be reheated with added milk for smoothness.
- Shrimp and sauce also keep for 3 days refrigerated and can be reheated carefully in short intervals to maintain texture.
- Do not freeze grits due to dairy content as it affects texture; shrimp in sauce can be frozen up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 338 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 338kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 173mg | 58% |
| Sodium | 1210mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 499mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1600IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 22.4mg | 25% |
| Calcium | 349mg | 35% |
| Iron | 3.2mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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