Southern Shrimp and Grits
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this classic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe, a soul-warming dish that combines creamy, stone-ground grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp and smoky bacon. Rich with sharp cheddar cheese, buttery goodness, and a touch of paprika and cayenne for spice, this recipe captures the essence of Southern cuisine in every bite. The shrimp are cooked to tender perfection and tossed in a savory garlic-lemon sauce, making each bite irresistibly flavorful. Finished with vibrant green onions and optional fresh parsley for a pop of color, this dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the ultimate way to bring restaurant-quality comfort food to your table! Keywords: Southern Shrimp and Grits, creamy grits, classic Southern dish, comfort food, shrimp recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the grits are tender and thickened.
Stir in milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Keep warm on low heat.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Discard excess bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Deglaze the skillet by adding chicken stock and scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the stock for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Stir in the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of butter, and the cooked bacon. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Plate the grits in shallow bowls and top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Southern Shrimp and Grits!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2654 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 141.7 g | 182% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.9 g | 344% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1017 mg | 339% | |
| Sodium | 6518 mg | 283% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 176.6 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 176.9 g | 354% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1420 mg | 109% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 2481 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
