The Most Flavorful Shrimp and Grits Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy southern shrimp and grits dance across culinary landscapes with mouthwatering charm.

Southern kitchens have perfected this classic comfort dish through generations of passionate cooking.

Coastal Carolina traditions blend seamlessly with rich, smooth corn grits and succulent seafood.

Plump shrimp nestle into velvety cheese-infused goodness, creating a symphony of flavors that sing southern hospitality.

Butter and bacon add deep, smoky undertones to this irresistible meal.

Each bite tells a story of tradition, love, and pure deliciousness.

Dive in and savor every single spoonful of this unforgettable southern classic.

Why Shrimp And Grits Feels Like Southern Bliss

• Quick Southern Comfort: A classic Southern dish that brings warmth and rich flavors to your table with minimal cooking skills required.
• Protein-Packed Delight: Combines succulent shrimp with crispy bacon and creamy cheese grits, creating a satisfying meal that keeps you full and happy.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual dinners, weekend brunches, or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality dish made right in your kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a simple cooking process that uses just a saucepan and skillet, making meal preparation a breeze.

What You’ll Need For Shrimp And Grits

• Grits: A classic Southern cornmeal porridge that serves as the creamy foundation of this hearty dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides a delicate protein component to the recipe.

• Water, Chicken Broth: Provides the cooking liquid for creating smooth and flavorful grits.

• Bacon, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Butter: These ingredients add rich, savory depth and creamy texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp and grits.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide brightness and visual appeal.
• Lemon: Adds a zesty citrus note that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Cook Shrimp And Grits Without The Fuss

Step 1: Craft Creamy Grits Base

Grab a medium saucepan and bring water or chicken broth to a vigorous boil. Slowly whisk grits into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to low. Stir constantly to prevent pesky lumps from forming. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits transform into a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 2: Sizzle Crispy Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Crisp chopped bacon until it turns golden and releases its rich, smoky fat. Carefully remove bacon with a slotted spoon, keeping the delicious rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Drop minced garlic into the bacon fat. Sauté for a quick 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Be cautious not to burn the delicate garlic.

Step 4: Dance with Shrimp

Introduce plump shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they blush pink and turn beautifully opaque.

Step 5: Transform Grits into Luxury

Stir sharp cheddar cheese and butter into the cooked grits. Watch as they melt and blend into a decadent, creamy masterpiece. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Plate Your Masterpiece

Divide the luscious grits among serving plates. Crown them with the sautéed shrimp and sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Garnish with vibrant sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Add a pop of brightness with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Bring this Southern comfort dish to the table immediately. Let the warm, creamy grits and succulent shrimp transport you to culinary bliss.

Shrimp And Grits Tips To Make It Extra Good

• Choose High-Quality Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
• Control Bacon Crispness: Cook bacon until it reaches your preferred level of crunchiness, ensuring it adds a perfect textural contrast to creamy grits.
• Prevent Lumpy Grits: Whisk grits continuously while adding them to boiling liquid and maintain low heat to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Season Thoughtfully: Layer flavors by seasoning shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional Cajun or Old Bay seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish hot and fresh to preserve the creamy grits' texture and shrimp's delicate tenderness.

Tasty Ways To Switch Up Shrimp And Grits

• Cajun Kick Shrimp and Grits: Add Cajun seasoning to shrimp and sprinkle with cayenne pepper for a spicy Southern-style upgrade.
• Coastal Mediterranean Mix: Replace bacon with chorizo, add roasted red peppers, and mix feta cheese into grits for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Fusion: Incorporate diced jalapeños into grits, use pepper jack cheese, and top with crispy jalapeño slices for extra heat.
• Low-Country Comfort: Use stone-ground grits, add andouille sausage instead of bacon, and mix in cream cheese for a richer, more traditional Carolina version.

What Goes Great With Shrimp And Grits

• Pairing Southern Comfort: Match this rich, creamy shrimp and grits with flavor-enhancing companions.
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the dish's richness and complement the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Craft Beer Delight: Choose a light, hoppy American pale ale that provides refreshing contrast to the creamy grits and balances the salty bacon notes.
• Zesty Side Salad Boost: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to add brightness and lighten the meal's heavy texture, creating a perfect flavor balance.

How To Store Shrimp And Grits Just Right

• Store leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate shrimp and grits to prevent soggy texture and maintain quality.
• Warm refrigerated grits gently in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency. Reheat shrimp separately in a skillet for 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Freeze grits and shrimp separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
• For best taste and texture, consume the dish immediately after cooking.

Shrimp And Grits FAQ You’ll Be Glad You Saw

• What makes the bacon so crispy?

Cooking bacon slowly over medium heat allows fat to render out gradually, creating a golden, crisp texture without burning. Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve even, consistent crispiness.

• How do I prevent grits from becoming lumpy?

Whisk grits gradually into boiling liquid and stir constantly during initial cooking. Reduce heat to low and continue occasional stirring to break down any potential clumps, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Can I use different types of cheese in the grits?

Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor, but you can substitute with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or white cheddar. Each cheese will add a unique taste profile to the dish.

Shrimp and Grits Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern comfort meets coastal elegance in this classic Shrimp and Grits recipe, blending rich, cheesy stone-ground grits with succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp. Coastal Carolina kitchens come alive with bold flavors and comforting textures you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Accompaniments:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the grits by bringing water or chicken broth to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Gradually whisk grits into the boiling liquid, reducing heat to low and stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Cover and simmer the grits for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become thick and creamy.
4. While grits are cooking, crisp chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and rendered.
5. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for cooking shrimp.
6. Sauté minced garlic in the bacon fat for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
7. Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
8. Stir sharp cheddar cheese and butter into the cooked grits until melted and fully incorporated.
9. Remove grits from heat and divide among serving plates, creating a creamy base.
10. Top grits with sautéed shrimp and sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the dish.
11. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for freshness and color.
12. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught and deveined.
• Keep bacon fat for extra richness, but drain excess grease if too oily for your preference.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture; they should be just pink and opaque.
• Consider using stone-ground grits for a more authentic and textured Southern-style dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg