The Ultimate Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe (Easy & Creamy)
If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food that brings the rich, delicious flavors of the South right to your table, your search is over. This classic Southern-style shrimp grits recipe is the perfect combination of succulent, seasoned shrimp, smoked bacon, and ultra-creamy, cheesy grits.
The best part? It looks and tastes like restaurant food, but you can easily make it at home in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Quick and easy: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but also elegant enough for a romantic weekend date.
- Incredibly creamy: The secret to perfect grits is a blend of chicken broth, milk, and plenty of strong cheddar cheese.
- Explosion of Flavor: The fat from the smoked bacon combined with garlic, lime, and Cajun seasoning results in an unforgettable sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Cheesy Grits:
- Quick-cooking grits: 1 cup (do not use instant grits for the best texture!)
- Chicken broth and milk: 2 cups each (to give the grits a rich and flavorful base)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Strong cheddar cheese: 1 cup, grated
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- Large shrimp: 450g (peeled and veined)
- Cajun or Creole seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Bacon: 4 slices, chopped (for an authentic, smoky flavor)
- Bell pepper and onion: ½ cup each, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh lime juice: 1 teaspoon Chicken broth: 1/3 cup (for the pan sauce)
- Chives: for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Cook the cornmeal:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1. Bring the chicken broth and milk to a boil.
- Stir the cornmeal gently to avoid lumps. Lower the heat, cover, and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once thickened and creamy, remove from heat and incorporate the butter and cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted. Cover and set aside.
2. Brown the bacon and sear the shrimp:
- In a large skillet, fry the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Add them to the hot skillet with the bacon fat and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Prepare the savior sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the chicken broth and fresh lime juice, scraping up any golden, flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer over low heat for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return the shrimp and cooked bacon to the skillet to warm through and coat in the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and serve!
- Place a generous portion of the warm, creamy grits in a bowl. Top with the shrimp in Cajun sauce, drizzle with the skillet sauce, and garnish with fresh scallions. Serve hot!
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Grits:
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly! It only needs 4 minutes total. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery.
- Cheese is key: Always use fresh cheddar cheese. Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting easily.
- Adjust the seasoning: If you like spicy food, add your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning so they brown nicely in the pan.
What is the difference between traditional grits and instant grits?
Instant grits are pre-cooked and dehydrated, often resulting in a watery texture that is difficult to cook. Quick-cook or stone-ground grits offer a much richer, creamier, and more authentic texture.