Southern Shrimp and Grits – This rich and comforting meal combines creamy, buttery grits with tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
What is Southern Shrimp and Grits?
Southern shrimp and grits is a traditional Lowcountry dish that originated in the coastal regions of the Carolinas and Georgia. What began as a humble fisherman’s breakfast has evolved into a beloved dish served in both casual and fine-dining restaurants across the South—and beyond. This dish typically features shrimp sautéed in a flavorful, savory sauce, served over a bed of creamy stone-ground grits.
Why Shrimp and Grits?
Grits are a staple in Southern cuisine, made from coarsely ground corn. They are cooked low and slow until creamy, making the perfect base for bold toppings like shrimp. The shrimp, often sautéed with garlic, bacon, and sometimes tomatoes, provide a beautiful contrast to the soft grits. Together, they create a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp and Grits
Bacon grease is gold: Cooking your shrimp in the leftover bacon grease adds an extra depth of flavor that’s signature to Southern shrimp and grits.
Use stone-ground grits: Instant grits won’t give you the same creamy texture and depth of flavor. Stone-ground grits are coarser and yield a much heartier dish.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking them can make them rubbery. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready.
Add cheese to the grits: Sharp cheddar or even Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor to the grits that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Variations of Shrimp and Grits
While the classic version of shrimp and grits is a winner, there are plenty of ways to mix it up!
- Cajun Shrimp and Grits: Spice things up with Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Tomato Shrimp and Grits: Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste to the shrimp sauce for a tangy, creamy twist.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits: Swap out the bacon for a garlic butter sauce for a simpler, yet equally delicious version.
- Shrimp and Grits with Greens: Serve your shrimp and grits with a side of collard greens or sautéed spinach for an added nutritional boost.
How to Serve Southern Shrimp and Grits
Southern shrimp and grits is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. For a heartier meal, pair it with:
Cornbread or biscuits: A side of warm, buttery cornbread or flaky biscuits rounds out this comforting Southern meal.
A fresh green salad: A light, vinaigrette-dressed salad helps cut through the richness of the dish.
Sautéed greens: Collard greens or kale are great options for adding a bit of texture and nutrition.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp and Grits
If you find yourself with leftovers, shrimp and grits can be stored and enjoyed later with just a few simple steps:
- Refrigerate: Store the shrimp and grits in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will last for up to 2 days, while the grits can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat the grits: Grits thicken as they cool, so when reheating, add a little water or broth to restore their creamy consistency. Heat them over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently.
- Reheat the shrimp: To prevent overcooking, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make shrimp and grits ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the grits ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. The shrimp is best cooked fresh, but you can prepare all your ingredients in advance to cut down on cooking time.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for shrimp and grits. Fresh, wild-caught shrimp offer the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well too—just be sure to thaw them before cooking.
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! For a lighter option, you can omit the bacon and cook the shrimp in olive oil or butter. You could also use turkey bacon or pancetta for a twist on the original.
Are grits gluten-free?
Yes! Grits are made from corn, which is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the packaging states “gluten-free” to avoid any cross-contamination.
Southern Shrimp and Grits
Southern Shrimp and Grits - This rich and comforting meal combines creamy, buttery grits with tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon (or 2-3 thick-cut slices)
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup stone-ground grits
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- Green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Grits: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth, milk, 3 tablespoons of butter, and a pinch of salt to a gentle boil. Add the grits and whisk well. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until soft and creamy. Cover and set aside off heat to finish softening.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy in a skillet. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, cool, and chop into small pieces. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Cook the shrimp in the bacon grease for about 2 minutes on each side, just until pink and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the shrimp. Stir until the butter melts and the broth heats through.
- Finish the Grits: Stir the shredded cheese into the grits until melted and creamy.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the shrimp mixture over the cheesy grits, making sure to drizzle some of the skillet sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and sliced green onions, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 519Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 324mgSodium 2253mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 1gSugar 7gProtein 42g
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.
Final Thoughts
Southern shrimp and grits is a dish that never fails to impress. With its creamy, cheesy grits and flavorful shrimp, it’s a true Southern comfort food that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner, shrimp and grits is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to play around with variations and make the dish your own!
Whether you’re a fan of the classic version or want to try a Cajun twist, Southern shrimp and grits offers endless possibilities to suit any palate. Happy cooking!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
