Like, well, shrimp and grits, grits and shrimp go well! A favorite of mine that I can’t resist consists of cheesy grits that are topped with bacon, peppers, and succulent shrimp.
Like my affection for collard greens and a creamy mac and cheese recipe, there is nothing more reassuring than this traditionally southern dish. (Shrimp and Grits)
Grits are SO Simple!
This simple dish, along with Bang Bang Shrimp and Shrimp Linguine, is one of my favorites.
The combination of buttery grits and succulent shrimp has a special quality. Making the entire dish only takes a few minutes; I prepare and cook the shrimp while the grits are simmering, and it’s all ready to serve in no time!
Describe Grits.
Grits are created from corn but have a texture comparable to the cream of wheat. They can have any mix-ins or spices (sweet or savory) added to them because they are so adaptable!
In this recipe, I use ordinary grits, but you may also use rapid cooking (a finer grind) or stone ground (a coarser grind that requires more cooking time).
Making Shrimp and Grits
The flavor of shrimp and grits is out of this world and making it is really easy. Unlike cream of wheat, grits aren’t strained, and the cooking time will vary slightly depending on the brand you choose (check the packaging to be sure).
- Grits and broth should be on the stove.
- Fry bacon while the grits are cooking. Place aside.
- Fry peppers and shrimp with seasoning in bacon fat.
- Butter and some finely grated strong cheddar cheese are added to the grits.
Voila!! The deliciousness of shrimp, pepper, and bacon on top of the cheesy grits. Grits’ texture changes as they cool, so be sure to savor it while it’s still hot!
TIP: To make eating easier if I’m serving my family, I cut off the tails. The decision is yours, however, I frequently leave the tails on for guests to make a nice display.
Serving Ideas
Given how fatty and full shrimp and grits are, choose a lighter side dish to go with the meal.
I enjoy serving this quick shrimp and grits recipe with a straightforward tossed salad or even just some dinner rolls to mop up the shrimp’s remaining butter. Without a doubt, it makes a satisfying supper on its own.
Grits and Shrimp
This traditional Southern dish is quite soothing. Bacon, peppers, and juicy shrimp are added to cheesy grits to make a delectable dish that you won’t be able to stop at one bowl of.
ten minutes to prepare
20 minutes total for cooking one hour servings: Six portions |
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- ⅓ cup onion diced
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper diced
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, chopped
cheese grits
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup grits
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring water, chicken broth, and garlic powder to a boil. Grits should be rich and creamy after 18 to 20 minutes of cooking (or follow the times listed on your grits package). Cheese and butter are added after the heat source has been turned off.
- Chop bacon as you wait. Fry until crispy in a medium-sized pan. Take out, leaving the drippings in the pan (should be about 1 tablespoon).
- In the bacon fat, cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they start to soften. Cook the bell peppers for an additional 3 minutes or until they are soft. The peppers and onions should be taken out of the pan and put aside.
- Combine Old Bay seasoning and garlic powder with the prawns. 2-3 minutes on each side in the pan. Reintroduce the onion combination along with the lemon juice and parsley.
- Grits should be topped with the shrimp mixture. Lemon wedges, parsley, and bacon crumbles should be used as a garnish.
Notes
Reduce the cooking time for quick-cooking grits to around 10 minutes, or until creamy.
Nutrition information
Calories: 427 | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 250mg | Sodium: 1220mg | Potassium: 250mg | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 18.6mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 2.5mg