Description
Southern shrimp and grits blend coastal comfort with hearty Southern charm, creating a soulful dish that whispers culinary tradition. Creamy stone-ground grits nestled beneath perfectly seasoned shrimp promise a delectable journey through classic American cuisine you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the grits base by bringing liquid to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, then gradually incorporate the grits while reducing heat to low, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency.
- Integrate heavy cream, sharp cheddar, butter, seasoning, and pepper into the grits, maintaining a warm temperature to preserve its creamy texture.
- Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then extract the pieces while preserving the flavorful rendered fat.
- Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in the bacon drippings until they become translucent and tender, developing a rich aromatic foundation.
- Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing it to release its fragrant notes for approximately one minute.
- Incorporate raw shrimp into the skillet, generously dusting with smoked paprika and cayenne for a robust, spicy profile, cooking until the seafood turns a vibrant pink.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, carefully scraping accumulated flavor fragments from the skillet’s surface, and allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Finish the shrimp with a touch of butter and optional hot sauce, then reunite with the previously crisped bacon pieces.
- Elegantly plate the creamy grits as a base, crowning them with the succulent shrimp mixture and garnishing with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining smoky flavor.
- Use gluten-free broth and check spice blend ingredients for those with gluten sensitivities.
- For dairy-free alternatives, replace heavy cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast to maintain creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg