Name: Shrimp and Grits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: . Grits; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth ((948g)); 1 cup stone ground grits ((173g)); 3 Tablespoons butter (, room temperature); 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese ((113g), optional, or 2 tablespoons heavy cream); Kosher salt (, to taste); . Shrimp and Sauce; 9 slices bacon ((chopped)); 1 1/5 lb large shrimp ((peeled and deveined)); 3 Tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup chopped onion ((40g)); 1/2 green bell pepper ((chopped)); 3 cloves garlic; 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth ((355g), or shrimp broth); 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ((or more, to taste)); Kosher salt (, to taste); . Garnish; 3 green onions ((chopped)); 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley ((20g)); fresh-squeezed lemon juice ((from half a lemon))

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Shrimp and Grits! This classic Southern dish is creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious meal!

Cooking the Grits

This part’s so satisfying as you watch the grits transform into a creamy base for your shrimp!

Flavorful Shrimp and Sauce

The combination of shrimp, spices, and bacon creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce that you won’t be able to resist!

Ingredients

Instructions

Cook Grits:
Step 1

- Cook Grits: Cook Grits: Bring broth to a boil. Once boiling, whisk the broth as you slowly pour the grits in, to prevent clumping. Return to a boil, then stir, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid then cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring every few minutes to make sure they're not sticking to the bottom of the pot, until water is absorbed. They will be thickened and tender, but should be soft, smooth and not overly thick/pasty.
Step 2

- Season Grits: Season Grits: Stir in butter until melted. Stir in cheese, or heavy cream. Taste and season with salt, if needed.
Cook Bacon:
Step 3

- Cook Bacon: Cook Bacon: While grits are cooking, add bacon slices to a skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook for several minutes, stirring often, until fat is rendered and bacon is crispy. Remove bacon to a plate.
Cook Shrimp:
Step 4

- Cook Shrimp: Cook Shrimp: Turn heat to medium high and add shrimp to the pan with bacon grease. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the bottoms start to turn pink, then flip to the other side and cook an additional 1-2 minutes (don't overcook the shrimp). Remove shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Cook Gravy Sauce:
Step 5

- Cook Gravy Sauce: Cook Gravy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once butter is melted, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes, until tender. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Slowly stir in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Add Cajun seasoning, old bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Cook until sauce is thickened to gravy consistency. Taste and add salt or other seasonings if needed, to taste.
Step 6

- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and add shrimp and bacon back to the pan.
Serve:
Step 7

- Serve: Serve: Place a large spoonful of grits (about ¾ cup) onto a plate, smoothing into an even layer. Add a spoonful of shrimp and gravy on top. Garnish with green onions, fresh parsley, and squeeze a little lemon juice on top.
Storage:
Step 8

- Storage: Store: Store leftover grits in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy leftover shrimp within 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 450, Fat: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Protein: 25g

Cooking techniques

Stirring the grits continuously and cooking them on low heat helps achieve that perfect creamy texture.

Variations or substitutions

For a different flavor profile, try adding some diced tomatoes or replacing the shrimp with crab!

Storage tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture of the grits.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors develop beautifully if you let it sit for a while!