Description
Indulge in the ultimate Southern comfort food with this spicy shrimp and grits recipe. Creamy, cheesy grits serve as the perfect base for perfectly seasoned shrimp in a flavorful sauce. This dish is a true taste of the South!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Grits:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Grits: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes). Stir in milk, butter, and cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return shrimp and bacon to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Assemble: Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with shrimp mixture, and garnish with parsley and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For creamier grits, substitute some of the broth with heavy cream.
- You can also make this with andouille sausage for extra smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop sauté, boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 255 mg
