Description
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits, a classic Southern dish combining creamy, buttery stone-ground grits with succulent, spiced shrimp in a smoky, savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal balances textures and bold yet simple flavors, perfect for family dinners, brunch, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon or 8 oz smoked sausage, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits: Begin by bringing the chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the grits are creamy and tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Finish by stirring in butter and heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture.
- Cook the Bacon or Smoked Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon or smoked sausage until crispy and browned. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan; this will serve as the base for your shrimp sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved fat. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to maintain tenderness.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked bacon or sausage to the pan and stir gently to combine with the shrimp and aromatics. Spoon the shrimp mixture over a generous bed of creamy grits. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Choose stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor.
- Slow cook the grits to avoid a grainy texture and achieve creaminess.
- Season each component generously to enhance overall flavor.
- Use freshly peeled and deveined shrimp for peak tenderness and taste.
- Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or adding jalapeños.
- Store shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers for optimal texture when reheating.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with olive oil and coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg