Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
A classic Southern comfort dish featuring creamy, cheesy grits topped with savory shrimp in a smoky bacon gravy.
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| How to make shrimp and grits Southern style |
Ingredients. Serves 4
For the Grits:
- 4 cups liquid (2 cups water + 2 cups whole milk or broth)
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick-cooking grits*)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
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| Quick and easy shrimp and grits recipe |
For the Shrimp:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or mix ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, pinch of cayenne)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
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| Shrimp and grits with bell peppers and bacon |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Grits:
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water and 2 cups milk (or broth) to a boil.
- Whisk in grits, reduce heat to low. Simmer 20-25 mins for stone-ground (5-10 mins for quick grits*), stirring occasionally.
- Once creamy, stir in butter and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in the pan.
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with Cajun seasoning.
- In the bacon fat, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 mins until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 min.
- Push veggies to the side; add shrimp. Cook 1-2 mins per side until pink. Remove shrimp (they’ll finish cooking later).
4. Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle flour (if using) over veggies; stir 1 min to make a roux.
- Gradually pour in broth, scraping up browned bits. Add lemon juice and Worcestershire. Simmer 2-3 mins until thickened.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Return shrimp to the skillet; simmer 1-2 mins in the gravy.
- Spoon cheesy grits into bowls. Top with shrimp mixture, crispy bacon, green onions, and hot sauce.
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| Homemade cheesy grits with Cajun shrimp |
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Skip the flour or use a gluten-free alternative.
- Extra Creamy Grits: Substitute ½ cup milk with heavy cream.
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced tomatoes or mushrooms with the onions.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
For quick-cooking grits, adjust liquid quantities per package instructions.
Enjoy this hearty, soul-warming dish with a touch of Southern tradition! 🍤✨
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