Description
Experience the comfort of shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish that warms the soul with creamy cheese grits and succulent shrimp.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups Water (Cooking base for the grits)
- 1 cup Corn Grits (Opt for stone-ground for added texture)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Essential for flavor enhancement)
- 4 ounces Cheddar Cheese (Medium or sharp, adds creaminess)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Imparts luxurious richness)
- 1/3 cup Heavy Cream (Provides a velvety consistency)
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper (Adds color and freshness)
- 4 medium Scallions (Brings a burst of freshness)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Infuses aromatic flavor)
- 4–6 slices Bacon (Offers savory fat for sautéing)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced Tomatoes (Contributes acidity for balance)
- 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun Seasoning (Adds Southern spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Enhances depth with smoky note)
- 1/4 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (Softens tomato acidity)
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (Main protein star)
- Hot Sauce (Adds that perfect kick)
- Lemon Wedges (Brightens up the dish)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine 4 cups of water, 1 cup of corn grits, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Prepare ingredients: Chop 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, 4 slices of bacon, 1 large green bell pepper, and 3 cloves of garlic. Slice 4 medium scallions.
- Return grits to low heat, stirring continuously for 15-25 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of heavy cream, and the prepared cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave the fat in the skillet. Add chopped bell pepper, garlic, and scallions; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add seasoned shrimp, cooking until they turn opaque and pink.
- To serve, spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp mixture, garnish with scallion tops, and serve with hot sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg