Shrimp and Grits

User Reviews

4.9

54 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    736 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits is a creamy, savory dish where stone-ground grits are cooked until thick and finished with butter and sharp cheddar cheese for richness. The shrimp are sautéed in crispy bacon fat and flavored with fresh lemon juice, parsley, green onions, and garlic, offering a bright, garlicky complement to the creamy grits. The dish offers a combination of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors with varied textures from smooth grits to tender shrimp and crunchy bacon.

Description

This recipe produces classic Shrimp and Grits by starting with stone-ground grits cooked in boiling water seasoned with salt and pepper. The grits absorb the water and develop a smooth, creamy texture as they cook on low heat. Butter and sharp shredded cheddar cheese are stirred in at the end to enrich the grits and add depth of flavor. The pot is covered and kept warm to maintain texture until serving.

Simultaneously, bacon is cooked until crisp and drained. The shrimp are then sautéed in the rendered bacon fat, cooked just until turning coral pink to avoid overcooking and rubberiness. Lemon juice is added with chopped parsley, green onions, and minced garlic to the skillet, layering bright, fresh flavors atop the richness of the shrimp and bacon.

When plated, the grits serve as a creamy base layered with the flavorful shrimp and bacon topping. This dish blends creamy, smoky, and tangy elements with tender textures. Proper timing and cooking of shrimp ensure a tender result. The dish suits breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup grits stone-ground
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (2 oz) butter
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
  • 1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined, left whole if small and roughly chopped if medium or large
  • 6 lices Bacon chopped into tiny pieces
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tablespoons parsley flat-leaf, chopped
  • 1 cup green onion white and green parts, thinly sliced
  • 1 large garlic minced, clove

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a roiling boil. Pour in the grits, add a goodly amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and stir well with a whisk. Turn down the heat to the lowest setting. (A flame tamer is a great idea if you have a particularly aggressive stove.)
  2. Cook the grits until all the water is absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the butter and Cheddar cheese. Cover the pot and keep it warm until ready to serve.
  3. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy and brown, then transfer to a paper towel to drain. Dump the shrimp into the skillet and sauté them in the bacon grease over medium heat until they just turn coral pink, about 3 minutes. ☞ TESTER TIP: Whatever you do, don't overcook them. You don't want rubbery shrimp. Immediately drizzle in the lemon juice and mix in the parsley, green onions, and garlic. Take the skillet off the heat.
  4. To serve the shrimp and grits, ladle the grits into a large serving bowl. Scrape the shrimp mixture over top the grits. Sprinkle with bacon and hightail it to the table!

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1portion Calories 736kcal (37%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 46g (92%) Fat 45g (69%) Saturated Fat 24g (120%) Monounsaturated Fat 14g (70%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 397mg (132%) Sodium 1458mg (61%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 736 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1portion
Calories 736kcal 37%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 46g 92%
Fat 45g 69%
Saturated Fat 24g 120%
Monounsaturated Fat 14g 70%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 397mg 132%
Sodium 1458mg 61%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%

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

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

54 reviews
Excellent

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