Description
Classic Shrimp and Grits is a true Southern comfort food that brings together the creamy goodness of grits and succulent shrimp sautéed to perfection. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also tantalizingly rich in flavor, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. With its harmonious blend of spices, butter, and fresh ingredients, every bite offers a delightful experience that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, this recipe allows for customization to suit your palate, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Get ready to savor this iconic dish that encapsulates the essence of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup stone-ground corn grits
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Cajun seasoning or paprika (to taste)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, boil 4 cups of water. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits while reducing heat to low. Stir frequently until thickened (20-25 minutes). Add butter and salt to taste.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon but leave fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the shrimp: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Once fragrant, add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until pink (3-5 minutes).
- Season and serve: Stir Cajun seasoning into the shrimp mixture. Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp, crumble bacon over each serving, and garnish with green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preference. Use fresh shrimp for optimal taste; frozen can be used but may alter texture. To make it spicy, incorporate cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.