Southern Shrimp and Grits

Southern Shrimp and Grits is a classic dish that combines tender, seasoned shrimp with creamy, flavorful grits—ground corn cooked until smooth.

Here are more delicious shrimp recipes!

Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp

Texas Shrimp Gumbo

Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp Chowder with Bacon Crumbles

Creative variations for Southern Shrimp and Grits

1. Classic Southern Shrimp and Grits: Creamy, cheesy grits topped with sautéed shrimp, bacon and scallions.
2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits: Shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked with bell peppers and onions, served over cheesy grits.
3. Gulf Coast Shrimp and Grits: Featuring fresh Gulf shrimp, often grilled or blackened, with a tomato-based sauce or gravy.
4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits: Shrimp cooked in a lemon garlic butter sauce, topped with chopped parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.
5. Creamy Mushroom and Shrimp Grits: Adding sautéed mushrooms and a touch of cream for a richer, earthy twist.
6. Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Grits: Incorporating spicy and smoky Andouille sausage for added depth and flavor.
7. Breakfast Shrimp and Grits: Serving with a fried egg on top, with bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.
8. Vegetarian Grits with Roasted Vegetables: For a meatless option, topped with roasted seasonal vegetables and herbs.

What to serve with this dish…

• Collard Greens or Other Southern Greens – Braised with smoked ham hocks or bacon for added flavor.
• Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy and tangy, they add a nice texture contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables – Such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthy touch.
• Salad – A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness.
• Pickled Vegetables – For a tangy, refreshing side.

Southern Shrimp and Grits

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Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that combines tender shrimp with creamy, flavorful grits—ground corn cooked until smooth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

3 slices bacon, chopped 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant) 4 cups water or chicken broth (for more flavor) 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup instant grits 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined 4 green onions, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup) 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 or 3 dashes hot sauce (optional - Frank's Red Hot Sauce) 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
2. Drain on paper towels; set aside.
3. Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
4. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are tender. Set aside.
5. Add shrimp, onions and garlic to the bacon grease in the skillet; cook and stir for 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
6. Quickly stir in well the bacon, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using) and lemon juice. Remove from heat.
7. Serve shrimp mixture over grits.

Notes

Photo credit: a7/075f04a7 kurmanstaff on VisualHunt