Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
I’m thrilled to share my favorite Southern cuisine dish with you today! This seafood dish combines creamy grits with savory shrimp. It makes a mouthwatering low country recipe. It’ll take you straight to the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
This dish is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Trust me, once you try this delicious blend of textures and flavors, you’ll be hooked on this classic comfort food.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp and grits recipe will soon be your go-to. It’s a comfort food that hits the spot every time.
First, making it is super easy. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s great for those busy nights.
Second, it’s good for any time of day. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Third, the bacon adds a smoky taste. It makes the shrimp even more delicious.
Fourth, the grits are creamy and comforting. They make you feel all warm inside.
Last, you can change it up to your liking. Add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
- Quick and easy preparation
- Versatile for any mealtime
- Rich bacon flavor
- Creamy, comforting texture
- Customizable to your liking
Try this shrimp and grits recipe and you’ll love it. The mix of flavors and textures is amazing.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love cooking shrimp and grits, and I’m excited to share my favorite ingredients with you. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Southern classic:
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
If you’re missing some items, don’t worry. I’ve got easy substitutes for you. Use white grits instead of yellow ones. Quick-cooking grits are great if you’re short on time.
For a meat-free version, use olive oil or butter instead of bacon fat. Water can replace chicken broth when cooking grits. And if you’re dairy-free, use all chicken stock instead of milk and skip the cheese.
The key to amazing shrimp and grits is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh jumbo shrimp and stone-ground grits make a big difference. The creamy grits, savory bacon, and cheddar cheese create a perfect base for the shrimp. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Instructions
I start by cooking grits with chicken broth, milk, and butter. This mix makes the grits creamy. It takes 10-15 minutes for them to cook right.
While the grits cook, I fry bacon until it’s crispy. Then, I chop it into small pieces. The bacon fat is great for cooking shrimp.
Next, I season the shrimp and cook them in the bacon fat. It only takes 2 minutes on each side to cook them right. After cooking the shrimp, I make the sauce in the same pan.
I add butter and chicken broth to the pan. Letting it simmer and reduce makes the sauce tasty. While the sauce cooks, I mix shredded cheese into the grits.
This melts the cheese, making the grits smooth. Then, I put the cheesy grits in bowls. I add sautéed shrimp and sauce on top.
Finally, I sprinkle chopped bacon and green onions on top. Cooking everything takes about 20-30 minutes. This makes a delicious shrimp and grits dish.
“The key to great shrimp and grits is layering flavors at each step of the cooking process.”
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love sharing tips for this yummy shrimp and grits recipe. Start with pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. Large or jumbo shrimp are best for great texture and taste.
For cooking grits, don’t watch them too closely. Just stir them a few times and they’re ready. Adding a little chili powder or spices to the shrimp makes it taste better.
This dish tastes best when eaten fresh. But, you can save leftovers. To reheat, warm the grits on the stovetop with some extra liquid. Heat the shrimp in the microwave quickly.
If you want a thicker sauce, mix flour and butter to make a roux. Then add chicken stock.
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for best results
- Stir grits every few minutes, not constantly
- Add spices to shrimp for extra flavor
- Reheat grits with extra liquid
Remember, good ingredients make this dish great. Choose fresh shrimp and stone-ground grits for a real Southern flavor. With these tips, you’ll make perfect shrimp and grits fast!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love making my own version of classic recipes. For shrimp and grits, I add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. These add flavor and texture, and they’re good for you too!
Adding spices can change the taste a lot. A little cayenne pepper or hot sauce gives it a kick. Sometimes, I use andouille sausage instead of bacon for a Cajun twist. This makes the dish taste amazing.
I like to serve Southern-style side dishes with it. Collard greens or a simple salad go well. For garnish, I use fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They make the dish look pretty and taste fresh.
For a full meal, I serve cornbread or biscuits. And, I always have hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. These extras make the meal feel like a real Southern feast!