Shrimp and Grits

If you are a fan of Southern cuisine, then you may have heard of the iconic dish, which is Shrimp and Grits. This dish is considered to be a beloved comfort food and is basically a staple in the American South, including areas like Charleston, South Carolina, New Orleans, and Louisiana since they are on the coast and shrimp are fresh and plentiful.

At its core, Shrimp and Grits is a simple yet delicious combination of shrimp sautéed in a flavorful sauce and served over a bed of creamy, cheesy grits. But do not let its simplicity fool you – this dish is packed with bold flavors and textures that will leave you, and your family and friends, craving more.

The origins of Shrimp and Grits can be traced all the way back to the Lowcountry areas of South Carolina and Georgia, where it was served as a breakfast dish for fishermen. But over time, it has evolved into a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for basically any meal of the day.

The best thing about Shrimp and Grits is that this dish is a very flexible one. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of different variations of this dish and each has its own delicious twist. Some versions of this dish call for you to add or swap out bacon, sausage, or even fried chicken for the shrimp, while others incorporate other types of seafood, such as crab or scallops. And while the classic recipe calls for stone-ground grits, some chefs have experimented with different grains, including quinoa, rice, or polenta.

No matter which way you choose to make it, Shrimp and Grits is a true Southern classic that is sure to satisfy any craving for comfort food. So, whether you are a lifelong fan of this dish or are just trying it for the first time, be prepared for it to become one of your new favorites.

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Why do I love Shrimp and Grits?

• Homemade grits
• Bursting with a savory flavor
• Tender shrimp in each bite
• Great for an entertaining or easy meal at home for yourself
• Versatile in ingredients you can use

What is shrimp grit?

Shrimp grits is a Southern dish that is a cornmeal-based style porridge. It is then flavored with spices, herbs and then topped with shrimp for additional flavor.

What is the secret to great grits?

Low and slow is the best way for making grits. It creates a creamy texture that allows the starches to work perfectly in creating a craveable texture.

What can I add to grits to make it taste better?

Adding in bacon, cheese, onions, garlic, etc. all work great for adding flavor to the grits. You will also find that grits are versatile so the ingredients you can add in are endless.

But one quick secret is use a chicken stock for added flavor in replace of water.

How to serve Shrimp and Grits?

Serve up the grits as a meal in one or pair with your favorite side dishes. Asparagus, corn salad, or any other sides work great.

Tips:

• Whisk your grits for a the first few minutes to help work out any clumps and create that creamy texture.
• Low and slow on temperature is important. Don’t cook too fast.
• Adding in spices and other ingredients will flavor the grits tremendously.
• I prefer to use de-shelled shrimp as it is going to ensure the shrimp soaks in more flavor.

Variations:

• Skip the shrimp and just do the bacon for more of a side dish.
• Top with your favorite variety of shredded cheese.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Grill corn and then slice and top your grits with roasted corn.
• Top grits with an over-easy egg.

Ingredients:

• Cornmeal
• Water and Chicken Stock
• Butter
• Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Shrimp
• Bacon
• Shallots
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Sliced
• Garlic Cloves
• Chicken Stock
• Lemon
• Green Onion – Diced

How To Make Shrimp and Grits:

Step 1. In a medium pot bring water, chicken stock, and salt to a boil. Add in cornmeal and lower heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until cooked.

Step 2. Take off heat and stir in cheese.

Step 3. While the grits is simmering prepare a skillet over medium heat.

Step 4. Cook diced bacon until crispy and set aside.

Step 5. Add in shallots, and tomatoes and cook until tender.

Step 6. Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 7. Add chicken stock and lemon.

Bring to a simmer.

Step 8. Add shrimp and cook until pink and tender.

Step 9. Place grits on a plate with shrimp, bacon, and green onion on top.

Shrimp and Grits

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

If you are a fan of Southern cuisine, then you may have heard of the iconic dish, which is Shrimp and Grits. This dish is considered to be a beloved comfort food and is basically a staple in the American South, including areas like Charleston, South Carolina, New Orleans, and Louisiana since they are on the coast and shrimp are fresh and plentiful.

5 from 3 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 c Cornmeal
• 2 c Water and Chicken Stock
• 2 tbsp Butter
• ¾ c Cheddar
• ¼ c Parmesan
• 1 lb Shrimp
• 4 Strips of Bacon
• 2 Shallots
• 1/3 c Sun Dried Tomatoes – Sliced
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• ½ c Chicken Stock
• 1 tbsp Lemon
• ¼ c Green Onion – Diced

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Instructions

• In a medium pot bring water, chicken stock, and salt to a boil. Add in cornmeal and lower heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until cooked.
• Take off heat and stir in cheese.
• While the grits is simmering prepare a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook diced bacon until crispy and set aside.
• Add in shallots, tomatoes and cook until tender.
• Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add chicken stock and lemon and bring to a simmer.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink and tender.
• Place grits on plate with shrimp, bacon, and green onion on top.
• Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 296mg | Sodium: 1717mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g

Author: Marta

How to store Shrimp and Grits?

If you have leftovers you can store the grits in the fridge in a sealed container. If you don’t have a sealed container then place to with plastic wrap.

How to reheat Shrimp and Grits?

Reheating can be done in the microwave. Just place and cook for a minute or so. Or warm it up in a skillet if you want. Add extra stock so it can create a creamy texture.

How much does Shrimp and Grits last on the fridge?

The grits with shrimp will last around 2-3 days in the fridge. Always use your best judgment in terms of quality. When in doubt throw it out.

Can I make ahead Shrimp and Grits?

This is a dish I recommend making fresh. As grits cool they thicken even more so the best flavor and texture is best served warm and fresh.

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Baked Cheese Grits – I have even made them with pepper jack cheese and it gives the dish a spicy little kick.

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