Shrimp and Grits – This easy southern style shrimp and grits recipe made in less than 30 minutes consists of crispy bacon, grits with cheese, perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
Easy Classic Shrimp and Grits – Tips
- Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese creates a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Don’t overcook the grits! Overcooked grits become gluey. Stir them frequently and adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions for your chosen grits.
- Season, season, season! Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper at each step of the recipe. This will build layers of flavor throughout the dish.
Best Shrimp and Grits – Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the grits for a kick.
- Sauté chopped vegetables like peppers, onions, or mushrooms with the bacon for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a heartier dish, add cooked sausage, diced chicken, or crumbled chorizo to the shrimp mixture.
- Swap the cheddar for Gruyere, Gouda, or a smoked cheese for a different flavor profile.
How to Serve This Best Shrimp Grits?
- Serve your shrimp and grits on their own, letting the creamy goodness take center stage.
- Top your dish with chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the richness of the dish.
- Pair your shrimp and grits with steamed asparagus, roasted green beans, or a simple salad.
Southern Style Shrimp Grits – FAQs
What kind of grits should I use?
There are two main types of grits: stone-ground and quick-cooking. Stone-ground grits take longer to cook but have a nuttier, more complex flavor. For this recipe, either will work, but stone-ground grits will give you a more restaurant-style texture.
How do I know when my shrimp are cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp are opaque and pink, with a slightly curled C-shape. If they turn rubbery or gray, they’ve been overcooked!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The grits can be made ahead and reheated gently. However, the shrimp are best cooked fresh for the best texture.
Shrimp And Grits (Easy Classic)
This easy southern style shrimp and grits recipe made in less than 30 minutes consists of crispy bacon, grits with cheese, perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Grits
- 1 cup yellow grits
- 3 tbsp butter, unsalted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 cups water
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Shrimp
- 5-6 strips bacon, chopped (about 4 ounces)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 18-20 )
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 dashes hot sauce, optional
Instructions
Making the grits
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. add grits and salt. Put the lid on simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Add butter and heavy cream. Mix well then add the cheese and stir.
Making the shrimp
- Heat a skillet on medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and leave the bacon fat in the pan.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to the pan and cook for about for a minute.
- Add the sliced scallions, hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and the cooked bacon. Toss to coat and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a bowl, add the grits and then top it with cooked shrimp.
- Enjoy immediately.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 519Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 329mgSodium 1727mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 40g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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