Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe. Creamy cheddar cheese grits serve as the perfect bed for succulent shrimp cooked with bacon and a flavorful pan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water (or 3 cups water + 1 cup milk for creamier grits)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring water (and milk, if using) to a boil. Stir in salt and slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes or until thick and tender. Stir in butter and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
- Shrimp: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan. Add butter to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add shrimp to the skillet and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the cooked bacon.
- Assembly: Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture and pan sauce. Garnish with green onions or parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added depth, use smoked paprika or add a splash of white wine when deglazing.
- Use wild-caught Gulf shrimp for a more authentic Southern flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
