Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
465 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
Description
Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits combines slow-cooked corn grits enriched with butter, cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a rich, creamy base. The grits are topped with sautéed shrimp seasoned with black pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and fresh scallions, which introduce a zesty, slightly spicy flavor. Crispy bits of bacon, cooked until browned in the pan, provide a smoky contrast that complements the tender shrimp and smooth grits. The fresh parsley and additional scallions sprinkled on top brighten the dish. This recipe relies on basic stovetop preparation and layering contrasting textures and flavors to make a satisfying, hearty dish that works well for brunch or dinner.
The shrimp are seasoned and cooked in bacon fat, which adds richness and depth. The method gently folds the dairy elements into the grits after they've thickened, ensuring a creamy consistency. Serving this dish in shallow bowls showcases the contrasting textures and colors, making it as appealing visually as it is tasty.
This classic southern dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance its richness. It also works nicely as a comforting main course on evenings when a filling meal is desired.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken stock
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup corn grits quick or regular...not instant
- 3 tablespoon heavy cream
- 3 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, sharp
- 8 lices Bacon cut into 1 to 2-inch pieces, slab
- 1 lb Shrimp shelled and deveined, large size
- black pepper
- 2 - 3 garlic minced (should be a heaping teaspoon, cloves
- 3 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 4 scallions white and green parts, chopped (3 for cooking, 1 for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 or 3 hot sauce ie, Tabasco, good shakes
- 4 teaspoon lemon juice usually the juice of 1 whole lemon, fresh
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a boil.
- Whisk in the grits and cook over moderately high heat, stirring vigorously at first to eliminate lumps (Continue to stir periodically until thickened and the grains are tender- about 4 - 5 minutes total. If using regular grits, they will take up to 45 minutes)
- Add the cream, butter and cheese and gently stir. Cover and remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Transfer cooked bacon to paper towel-lined plate.
- Pour out all but about 4 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and re-heat.
- Sprinkle black pepper all over the shrimp and then add to the hot skillet and cook until curled and pink, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, parsley, scallions, paprika, Worcestershire, Tabasco and lemon juice.
- Meanwhile, crumble the bacon into slightly smaller pieces, set aside.
- Spoon the warm, cheesy grits into 4 shallow serving bowls and top each with a quarter of the shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with bacon and reserved scallions. Serve at once!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 465kcal | 23% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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