Shrimp and Grits
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
736 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Shrimp and Grits
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.