Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe is a true comfort food classic from the American South. This dish feels warm, creamy and full of flavor. Many people love it for breakfast, brunch or dinner.
This Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe combines soft grits with juicy shrimp and rich sauce. It is easy to make at home. If you want to learn how to make Southern Shrimp And Grits, this guide will help. You will also learn the exact ingredients for Southern Shrimp And Grits.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this dish is balance. Creamy grits need proper cooking time. Shrimp need quick cooking on medium heat. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Stone-ground grits give the best taste and texture.
Butter, garlic and stock add deep flavor. A little bacon fat brings smoky richness. Fresh shrimp make a huge difference. Using simple ingredients carefully creates magic on the plate.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Southern Shrimp And Grits
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Southern Shrimp And Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- 450 grams raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Grits
Bring water or stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat. Cook slowly, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
2. Add Milk and Butter
Stir milk into cooked grits. Add butter and salt. Keep warm on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
3. Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy. Remove bacon and keep fat in skillet.
4. Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion to bacon fat. Cook until soft and fragrant. Add garlic. Cook for thirty seconds only.
5. Season the Shrimp
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss gently to coat shrimp evenly before cooking.
6. Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to skillet. Cook two minutes per side. Shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook them.
7. Add Lemon and Bacon
Return crispy bacon to skillet. Add lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all flavors together.
8. Assemble the Dish
Spoon creamy grits into bowls. Top with shrimp mixture. Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use stone-ground grits for best texture and flavor.
- Stir grits often to avoid burning or clumping.
- Add cheese to grits for extra creaminess.
- Use smoked sausage instead of bacon if preferred.
- Add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Use seafood stock for deeper shrimp flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot and fresh. Pair it with a simple green salad. Buttered biscuits work well on the side. Steamed greens like spinach or collards balance the richness. This recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings. It also works well for cozy family dinners. A glass of iced tea completes the Southern feel.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers. Keep grits and shrimp separate if possible. Refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat grits slowly with added milk. Warm shrimp gently in a skillet. Avoid microwaving shrimp too long. It can become rubbery and dry.
Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- 450 grams raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Grits
- Bring water or stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat. Cook slowly, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
Add Milk and Butter
- Stir milk into cooked grits. Add butter and salt. Keep warm on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy. Remove bacon and keep fat in skillet.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion to bacon fat. Cook until soft and fragrant. Add garlic. Cook for thirty seconds only.
Season the Shrimp
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss gently to coat shrimp evenly before cooking.
Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp to skillet. Cook two minutes per side. Shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook them.
Add Lemon and Bacon
- Return crispy bacon to skillet. Add lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all flavors together.
Assemble the Dish
- Spoon creamy grits into bowls. Top with shrimp mixture. Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for best texture and flavor.
- Stir grits often to avoid burning or clumping.
- Add cheese to grits for extra creaminess.
- Use smoked sausage instead of bacon if preferred.
- Add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Use seafood stock for deeper shrimp flavor.
FAQs about Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe
Can I use quick grits instead of stone-ground grits?
Yes, you can use quick grits if needed. However, stone-ground grits provide better texture and flavor. Quick grits cook faster but taste less rich and creamy.
What shrimp size works best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp work best. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Very small shrimp may overcook quickly and lose texture.
How do I prevent my grits from becoming lumpy?
Always add grits slowly while whisking. Stir often during cooking. Cooking on low heat helps create smooth and creamy grits.
Can I make Southern Shrimp And Grits ahead of time?
You can prepare grits ahead. Shrimp should be cooked fresh. Reheat grits gently with milk before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is mildly seasoned. You can add cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Conclusion
Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe is comfort food at its best. It is creamy, savory and deeply satisfying. This dish uses simple ingredients and easy steps. Anyone can learn how to make Southern Shrimp And Grits at home.
Follow the tips for perfect results every time. With fresh shrimp and well-cooked grits, success is guaranteed. Enjoy this classic Southern meal with family and friends.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.