Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Shrimp and Grits is more than just a dish; it's a beloved culinary staple of the Southern United States that brings warmth and comfort to gatherings, family dinners, and celebrations. This classic dish combines tender, succulent shrimp with creamy, flavorful grits, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that is hard to resist. The origins of Shrimp and Grits can be traced back to the coastal regions of the South, where the abundant seafood and locally grown corn transformed a simple meal into a flavorful feast.

Discover the heartwarming flavors of Southern Comfort Shrimp and Grits, a beloved staple of Southern cuisine. This dish beautifully combines succulent shrimp with creamy, stone-ground grits, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Learn how to choose fresh shrimp, prepare rich, smooth grits, and enhance the dish with spices for an authentic taste. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe promises to bring warmth and joy to your table.

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Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Shrimp:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 slices bacon, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Grits:

In a large saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

- Once thick, stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, butter, and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the grease in, and place it on a paper towel to drain.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become soft. Add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.

Cook the Shrimp:

Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with paprika, Cajun seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Combine and Serve:

To serve, spoon a generous amount of cheesy grits onto each plate. Top with the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle crispy bacon, green onions, and fresh parsley over the top for garnish.

Enjoy!

Serve hot, and enjoy the rich flavors of your Southern Comfort Shrimp and Grits!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4