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5.0 from 177 votes

Shrimp and Grits

This classic Southern combination is comfort food at its best—buttery, cheesy grits are topped with bacon, peppers, and juicy shrimp!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 427 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 lices Bacon chopped
  • ⅓ cup diced onion
  • ⅓ cup diced green bell pepper or red bell pepper
  • 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Grits
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup grits *
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup butter

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To make the grits, in a medium saucepan, add chicken broth, water, and garlic powder and bring to a boil over high heat. While whisking, slowly add the grits. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 18-20 minutes or thick and creamy (or follow the cooking times listed on your package). Remove from heat and stir in cheese, butter, and salt to taste.
  2. While the grits are cooking, chop the bacon and add to a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions to the bacon grease. Cook until slightly softened, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3 minutes more. Transfer the peppers and onions to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper. Turn the heat up to medium-high and let heat for 1 minute. You can add 1 tablespoon of oil if needed.
  5. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. Add the onion mixture, lemon juice, and parsley and stir to combine.
  6. Spoon the grits into a bowl and top with shrimp, spooning any sauce from the pan overtop. Garnish with crumbled bacon, parsley, and lemon wedges. 

Notes

  • If using quick-cooking grits, reduce cooking time to about 10 minutes or until creamy.  Stone ground grits (a coarser grind) take longer to cook; check your package for cooking times and liquid ratios if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories 427 (21%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Cholesterol 250mg (83%) Sodium 1220mg (51%) Potassium 250mg (7%) Vitamin A 725IU (15%) Vitamin C 18.6mg (21%) Calcium 330mg (33%) Iron 2.5mg (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 427

% Daily Value*

Calories 427 21%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 250mg 83%
Sodium 1220mg 51%
Potassium 250mg 5%
Vitamin A 725IU 15%
Vitamin C 18.6mg 21%
Calcium 330mg 33%
Iron 2.5mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.