Servings
Font
Back
Shrimp and Grits with Tomato Gravy
0 from 0 votes

Shrimp and Grits with Tomato Gravy

This easy shrimp and grits recipe is smothered in a rich, smoky, tomato gravy!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

FOR THE SHRIMP AND TOMATO GRAVY
  • 8 ounces Bacon
  • ½ cup onion diced
  • ¼ cup celery diced
  • ¼ cup green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed (about 2 teaspoons total
  • 1 cup water (or sub with seafood stock or chicken broth)
  • 2 (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes not drained, canned
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper plus more to taste if you like it spicy
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb. Shrimp peeled and deveined
FOR THE GRITS
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup grits not instant grits, quick-cooking
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese about 4 ounces, grated, sharp
  • 2 tablespoons butter cubed
  • parsley
  • rosemary
  • thyme
  • green onion optional garnish; green onion sliced; herbs chopped

Instructions

COOK THE SHRIMP AND GRAVY
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate, reserving the drippings in the pan.
  2. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, saute the onion, celery, and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Add the water, diced tomatoes and their juices, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in the shrimp and the cooked, crumbled bacon. Continue simmering until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 5-8 more minutes.
COOK THE GRITS
  1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Slowly whisk in the grits and salt. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes (or until thick and smooth), stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove from heat. Add the cheese and butter; whisk or stir until melted and smooth.
SERVE THE SHRIMP AND GRITS
  1. Divide the grits among serving bowls. Top with the shrimp and gravy, garnish with green onions or herbs, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can purchase instant grits, quick grits, or stone-ground grits. I use quick grits in this recipe, but any variety will work — you’ll just need to adjust the cooking time and cooking directions accordingly.
  • I typically use yellow onion or sweet onion, but any variety is fine. You might even like to use sliced green onions instead.
  • We prefer large, extra large, or jumbo shrimp in this recipe, but any size shrimp will work. Just adjust the cooking time if using smaller shrimp. Leave the tail on the peeled shrimp for a “fancy” touch.
  • The total cooking time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp. You know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful that you don’t overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and rubbery.
  • Garnish the dish with sliced green onion or chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a colorful, bright finishing touch and extra flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is also nice.