Ultimate Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe for Comfort Food

Southern Shrimp and Grits is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug wrapped in creamy goodness, with a kick of spice that dances on your taste buds. Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp, bathed in a savory sauce, lounging atop a bed of buttery, cheesy grits that melt like dreams on your tongue. Butter Swim Biscuits This dish is the epitome of Southern comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress your friends with a culinary masterpiece. For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken recipe recipe.

The first time I made Southern Shrimp and Grits, my kitchen turned into a chaotic symphony of sizzling pans and aromatic spices. My friends gathered around, their eyes wide with anticipation as they inhaled the mouthwatering scents wafting through the air. Spicy Italian Crescent Ring It was love at first bite, and let me tell you, the empty plates were the loudest applause I’ve ever received! Now, every gathering calls for this scrumptious dish that always leaves everyone begging for seconds.

My friends still rave about that first meal, claiming it’s the best shrimp and grits they’ve ever tasted!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp to ensure they cook quickly and stay tender.

• Stone-Ground Grits: Choose high-quality stone-ground grits for a rich texture and flavor; instant just won’t cut it.

• Heavy Cream: This adds luscious creaminess to your grits, making them irresistibly smooth.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your dish while adding richness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar enhances the flavor profile of the grits; feel free to experiment with different cheeses if desired.

• Bacon: Cooked bacon bits add a smoky flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide freshness and color; they’re like little confetti on your plate!

• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors; don’t skip this vital ingredient!

• Spices (Cayenne Pepper & Paprika): These will give your shrimp that necessary heat and depth of flavor; adjust according to preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cooking the Grits: Start by bringing four cups of water or broth to a boil in a large pot. Stir in one cup of stone-ground grits while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until thickened.

Add Some Creaminess: Once the grits have thickened nicely, stir in half a cup of heavy cream along with two tablespoons of butter. Incorporate one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth.

Sautéing Bacon Bits: In another skillet over medium heat, cook four slices of chopped bacon until crispy. Crispy Crab Bombs Remove bacon from skillet but keep some drippings for flavor.

Shrimp Madness: In the same skillet with reserved bacon drippings, toss in one pound of fresh shrimp along with minced garlic (about three cloves). Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque—this should take around 3-5 minutes.

Add Flavorful Spices: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper (to taste) and paprika. Squeeze half a lemon’s juice over the shrimp for an extra zing! Toss everything together until well coated.

Create Your Masterpiece: To serve, spoon creamy grits onto plates or bowls before topping them generously with sautéed shrimp. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions for added flair!

This Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating memories filled with laughter over shared meals that warm both heart and soul! Enjoy every delicious bite! Vegetarian Greek Pita Nachos.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté your shrimp first to develop flavor, then prepare the grits while they cool down. This sequence ensures perfectly cooked shrimp without overcooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular grits for cheese grits or add a splash of hot sauce for extra zing. Customize it to your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water for moisture.

Sharing this recipe takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly anticipated this southern delight. It became an instant favorite among my friends!

FAQ

What type of shrimp is best for southern shrimp and grits?

Fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp adds the best flavor and texture to your dish.

Can I use instant grits instead of traditional?

Yes, but traditional stone-ground grits provide a richer, creamier texture that enhances flavor.

How do I know when my shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp should be pink and opaque; overcooked shrimp can turn tough and rubbery.

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Southern Shrimp and Grits

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• Author: Larissa W.
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Southern Shrimp and Grits is a quintessential Southern dish that delivers creamy, cheesy grits topped with perfectly seasoned shrimp in a savory sauce. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb fresh large shrimp, deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
2. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon but keep the drippings in the skillet.
4. Add the shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for about 3-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Season shrimp with cayenne pepper and paprika; squeeze lemon juice over them. Toss to combine.
6. Serve creamy grits on plates topped with sautéed shrimp, garnished with bacon bits and green onions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 250mg