Indulge in the savory and comforting flavors of shrimp and grits with this delicious recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of succulent shrimp and creamy grits creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- With quick prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- The versatility of this recipe makes it ideal for meal prep and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Grits:
- Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the grits.
- Stone-ground grits: Provides a hearty and creamy texture.
- Salt and garlic powder: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
- Heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the grits.
For the Shrimp:
- Large shrimp: The star of the dish, make sure they are peeled and deveined.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme: A flavorful combination of aromatics and spices.
- Chicken broth, lemon juice, and parsley: Enhances the overall taste and adds freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and whisk in the grits, salt, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and butter until melted and creamy.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then add onion, garlic, and spices.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, then stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Serve the shrimp over the creamy grits and garnish with parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Swap out the shrimp for chicken or sausage for a different variation.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Let the grits sit for a few minutes after cooking to thicken up before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. Serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover shrimp and grits separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess of the grits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground grits?
- Instant grits can be used, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the grits and shrimp separately and assemble them just before serving.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Thaw and pat dry frozen shrimp before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to a comforting and flavorful meal with this shrimp and grits recipe. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite!
PrintShrimp and Grits
This Shrimp and Grits recipe combines creamy stone-ground grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp for a comforting and flavorful dish. The addition of bacon and cheddar cheese elevates the flavors to create a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Grits:
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Grits: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in grits, salt, and garlic powder. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and butter until melted and creamy.
- Cook Shrimp: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Add onion, garlic, paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Serve shrimp over creamy grits. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.
- Feel free to add additional toppings like green onions or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 240 mg