Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Yield & Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
- 4 cups chicken stock (or half stock, half milk for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (or andouille sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken stock (or seafood stock)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika (or Cajun seasoning)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper(optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (to finish sauce)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Extra black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Grits
- Bring stock (or stock + milk) to a boil in a saucepan.
- Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened (20–25 min).
- Stir in butter and cheese, season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
2. Cook the Shrimp & Sauce
- Season shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika (or Cajun seasoning).
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings.
- Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp; cook 2 minutes per side until pink, then remove and set aside.
- Pour in stock and lemon juice, scraping the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in butter to make a silky sauce. Return shrimp and bacon; toss to coat.
3. Assemble & Serve
- Spoon creamy grits into bowls.
- Top with shrimp mixture and drizzle sauce over.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions.
✨ Result: Creamy, cheesy grits topped with juicy shrimp, smoky bacon, and a rich, savory sauce — true Southern comfort food.
Enjoy