Shrimp and grits is a timeless Southern comfort dish that brings together creamy, buttery grits and tender shrimp cooked with a spicy twist. The combination of fresh seafood, velvety grits, and savory seasonings makes this meal a true celebration of coastal cuisine. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish will transport you straight to the heart of the South.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Serving size: 1 bowl
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
Ingredients:
For the Grits:
- 180g (1 cup) stone-ground grits
- 480ml (2 cups) chicken stock
- 240ml (1 cup) whole milk
- 240ml (1 cup) water
- 60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 60g (½ cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 450g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 120ml (½ cup) chicken stock
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method of Preparation:
Prepare the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken stock, milk, and water to a boil over medium heat.
- Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the grits are thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Season the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add olive oil. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Add the chicken stock and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Assemble:
- Divide the warm grits among four bowls.
- Top each bowl with the shrimp and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley over the top.
Serve:
- Serve immediately, with a side of hot sauce for an extra kick if desired!
Culinary Success Tips:
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor. Instant grits will work in a pinch, but stone-ground grits bring out a rich, hearty texture.
- Cook the grits low and slow to avoid clumping. Stir them often to ensure they remain smooth and creamy.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they should be tender and juicy. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery.
- Render the bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and crispiness. Use the bacon fat to sauté the vegetables for a richer taste.
- Add cheese and butter to the grits at the end of cooking to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without separation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground? Yes, instant grits will reduce cooking time but won’t have the same texture or flavor as stone-ground grits. Adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the package instructions.
- What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning? If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? The grits can be made ahead and reheated with a bit of extra milk or stock to loosen them up. However, it's best to cook the shrimp fresh to avoid overcooking.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, ensure that your chicken stock and seasonings are gluten-free, and you’ll have a naturally gluten-free dish.
- What other toppings can I add to shrimp and grits? You can add sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, or even a poached egg for an extra layer of richness.
This Southern shrimp and grits recipe is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy grits and spicy, succulent shrimp, all balanced with the salty crunch of bacon. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a weeknight meal, this dish will bring a taste of the South to your table. Enjoy it with family and friends for a meal that’s bound to impress!