Shrimp and Grits
User Reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
Shrimp and Grits
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This Shrimp and Grits is the ultimate Southern comfort dish—creamy, buttery grits loaded with sharp cheddar, topped with smoky, juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and a rich, flavorful pan sauce. The grits are perfectly smooth, the shrimp are boldly seasoned, and everything comes together in just 35 minutes. Whether you’re making it for brunch or a cozy dinner, this is a meal that never disappoints!
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Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium or no sodium added
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 slices Bacon chopped
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
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Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the grits and salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the grits are tender, stir in the garlic powder, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and butter until creamy. Keep warm.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and create a flavorful sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Spoon the creamy grits onto plates or shallow bowls. Top with the shrimp and sauce, then sprinkle the reserved bacon and parsley over the top.
Notes
- Stone-ground grits are worth it. They take longer to cook but deliver superior texture and flavor compared to instant or quick grits.
- Use chicken broth instead of water. This simple swap infuses the grits with extra flavor right from the start, making them richer and more savory.
- Freshly grated cheese melts best. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly. Grate it fresh for the creamiest grits!
- Shrimp cook fast—don’t walk away! They only need 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. If they curl into a tight O shape, they’ve gone too far.
- Deglaze the pan for extra flavor. The browned bits at the bottom of the skillet = pure flavor gold. A splash of chicken broth and lemon juice lifts them into a rich, buttery sauce that ties the dish together.
- Grits thicken as they sit. If they get too thick before serving, just stir in a splash of warm broth or cream to loosen them up. If they’ve been sitting for a while, whisk vigorously to bring back their creamy texture.
- Best served fresh! Shrimp and Grits is at its peak right off the stove. If reheating, warm the grits with a splash of liquid over low heat, stirring until smooth again. For the shrimp, reheat gently in a pan with a bit of butter to keep them from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1serving
Calories
641kcal
(32%)
Carbohydrates
41g
(14%)
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
38g
(58%)
Saturated Fat
19g
(95%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
11g
Trans Fat
0.3g
Cholesterol
234mg
(78%)
Sodium
1645mg
(69%)
Potassium
578mg
(17%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
1715IU
(34%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
309mg
(31%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 641 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 641kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 234mg | 78% |
| Sodium | 1645mg | 69% |
| Potassium | 578mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1715IU | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 309mg | 31% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
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