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Southern Style Shrimp and Grits
4.9 from 69 votes

Southern Style Shrimp and Grits

Southern Style Shrimp and Grits feature creamy, cheesy grits paired with garlic-sautéed shrimp enriched by crispy bacon and bright green onions. The grits simmer in broth and water with salt, finished with sharp cheddar and butter for richness. The shrimp cooked in bacon grease absorb smoky flavor, balanced by lemon juice and hot sauce for mild heat and acidity. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and Southern flavors.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 496 kcal
Course: Main Course, Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Grits
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 cup white grits
  • 2 tablespoons butter salted
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded sharp
Shrimp
  • 4 Bacon diced, slices
  • 1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined, raw
  • 2 tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup green onion divided, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 dashes hot sauce to taste

Instructions

GRITS
    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring 2 cups water and 2 cups chicken broth to a boil in a 3 to 4-quart saucepan over high heat. Season the liquid with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Slowly add in 1 cup white grits while stirring constantly until the grits are evenly distributed in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer grits uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes.
  2. Once the grits are cooked, remove from heat and add in 2 tablespoons salted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted. Taste and add additional salt, if desired.
SHRIMP
  1. When there are about 15 minutes left for the grits to cook, dice 4 bacon slices. Cook in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon from the pan, and reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
  2. Add 1 pound raw shrimp, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and 1/2 cup sliced green onionalf of the green onions to the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat until the shrimp just turns pink, about 5-6 minutes depending on the size of shrimp.
  3. Drizzle with shrimp with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 dashes hot sauce, or to your liking. Stir to ensure the shrimp are well coated.
  4. Serve shrimp on top of the cheesy grits and sprinkle bacon and the other half of the green onions on top.

Notes

  • Select shrimp size (small to jumbo) depending on personal preference; remove tails before cooking if desired for easier eating.
  • Use a vinegar-based Louisiana-style hot sauce like Crystal, Tabasco, or Frank's RedHot to balance heat and acidity.
  • If grits develop lumps while cooking, whisk vigorously and add a splash of hot water if they remain lumpy for a smooth texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 496kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 36g (12%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 8g (40%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 202mg (67%) Sodium 2032mg (85%) Potassium 389mg (8%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 817IU (16%) Vitamin C 14mg (16%) Calcium 291mg (29%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 496

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 496kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 36g 12%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 202mg 67%
Sodium 2032mg 85%
Potassium 389mg 8%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 817IU 16%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 291mg 29%
Iron 1mg 6%

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