Shrimp and Grits a Southern Staple Done Right
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something comforting yet kinda fancy? Southern Shrimp and Grits is where it's at! This dish brings a touch of Lowcountry charm to your kitchen. It’s savory, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Brief Overview
Born in the Lowcountry, Shrimp with Grits is a Southern staple. It's a hug in a bowl! This recipe is medium difficulty and takes about 55 minutes to make.
It yields four servings. Perfect for a cozy brunch or dinner!
Main Benefits
This shrimp and cheese grits recipe is packed with protein. It's also surprisingly easy to customize. Serve this best shrimp and grits recipe for a special occasion or a regular Tuesday.
What makes this recipe so special is how it brings together simple ingredients in such a flavorful way.
Let's Talk Ingredients: Grits Get Glam!
We start with the grits. Ditch the instant stuff! Stone ground grits are key for that authentic texture. You'll need 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of grits, and 4 tablespoons of butter.
Then we add ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Don't forget ¼ cup of heavy cream! Salt and pepper to taste, of course.
The Shrimp Situation
Now for the star: the shrimp! You'll need 1 pound of large shrimp. For flavor, grab 4 slices of bacon, ½ cup of Andouille sausage.
Don't forget the veggies: ½ cup of chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add ½ cup of chopped green bell pepper, and spices too: ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
To round it all off you'll also need ½ cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.
I swear, my first time making Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe , I almost used instant grits. Disaster averted!
Equipment Essentials
You’ll need a large saucepan for the grits. A medium skillet is perfect for the shrimp. Grab a whisk, cutting board, chef's knife, and measuring cups.
It's all about setting yourself up for success.
Alright, let's talk ingredients and gear for Southern Shrimp and Grits ! Trust me, gettin' this right makes ALL the difference. No need to be intimidated; it's easier than you think!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (950 ml), low sodium. Quality broth boosts flavor!
- Stone ground grits: 1 cup (175 g). Seriously, stone ground is key.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57 g).
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), shredded.
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (50 ml).
- Large shrimp: 1 pound (450 g), peeled and deveined. Fresh is best.
- Bacon: 4 slices . Cooked and crumbled, plus 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
- Andouille sausage: 1/2 cup (75 g), sliced.
- Yellow onion: 1 small (about 1/2 cup ), finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Green bell pepper: 1 (about 1/2 cup ), seeded and chopped.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . This is what gives it the smoky flavor that makes Shrimp With Grits extra delicious!.
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional).
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), fresh.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), chopped fresh.
Seasoning Notes
Smoked paprika and cayenne? That's Southern Style Shrimp And Grits in a nutshell. No Andouille? Chorizo works too! Smoked paprika makes it savory.
Cayenne adds a lil' kick. Lemon brightens it up. Salt and pepper? Obvi! Honestly, the right seasoning elevates Shrimp N Grits Southern .
Don't be shy with it!
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Medium skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Don't have a fancy saucepan? A big pot works just fine. No skillet? Use a frying pan! You know what they say, Simple Shrimp And Grits Recipe needs Simple Shrimp And Grits Recipe equipment.
My granny used an old cast iron skillet for her Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits . Best Shrimp and Grits Recipe ever.
This is what makes this Shrimp And Cheese Grits Recipe extra special!.
Alright, let's dive headfirst into making some Southern Shrimp and Grits ! Honestly, this is one of those dishes that just screams "comfort food," you know? It's like a warm hug on a plate.
It hails from the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia. It’s a beloved dish! I can't wait to share my take on it with you.
Prepping Like a Pro for Shrimp and Grits
So, first things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? But it just means getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
Chop your veggies, measure out your spices, and get your shrimp peeled and deveined. It saves so much time later on.
I mean, nobody wants to be scrambling to chop an onion when their sauce is already burning. Also, if you are using bacon, cook the bacon until crispy and set aside on a plate.
Remember: Always wash your hands before and after handling raw shrimp. We're aiming for delicious, not disastrous!
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe : step-by-step
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Here's how we turn these ingredients into magic. This is the best Shrimp and Grits recipe , trust me!
- First, let's deal with the grits . In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups (950 ml) of chicken broth to a boil. Whisk in 1 cup (175 g) of stone ground grits gradually.
- Turn the heat down to low. Cover the pan and let those grits simmer for about 30 minutes , stirring every now and then, until they're thick and creamy.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons (57g) of butter, 1/2 cup (50 g) of cheddar cheese , and 1/4 cup (50 ml) of heavy cream . Season with salt and pepper. Keep them warm! This is how simple Shrimp and Grits Recipe starts.
- Now, for the Shrimp N Grits Southern . Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup (75 g) of Andouille sausage and cook it until browned. Then, add 1/2 cup onion, 1/2 cup green bell pepper, and 2 cloves of garlic . Cook that for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you like a little kick). Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice . Simmer it.
- Add 1 pound (450 g) of shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink. Usually around 3- 5 minutes . You do not want to overcook them!
- Spoon those cheesy grits into bowls. Top with the shrimp, bacon, and sausage sauce. Garnish with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of parsley .
Pro Tips for Southern Style Shrimp And Grits
Okay, listen up. A little tip that I learned to make Southern Style Shrimp And Grits ; Always use stone ground grits! They really do make a difference in texture.
Another thing, don't overcook your shrimp! It’s the worst. They should be pink and cooked through. Also, don't skip the lemon juice; it adds a brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
If you're looking for a make-ahead option, you can prep the grits and the shrimp sauce separately. Then, just combine them when you're ready to serve.
This is how to make Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits .
Alright, now that we've got the lowdown on this Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe, let's chat about some recipe notes to make sure you nail it! These are my tried and true tricks that elevate it.
Ready?
Recipe Notes for the Best Shrimp and Grits Recipe Ever
Serving Like a Pro
Okay, so you've slaved away in the kitchen. Now what? Plating matters, darlin'. I like to swirl the creamy shrimp and grits recipe in a shallow bowl and then artfully arrange the shrimp on top.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Chef's kiss! To cut through the richness, think about a light side salad. Honestly, even just some sliced tomatoes will do the trick.
A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio? Yes, please! Or good ol' iced tea.
Storage Secrets
Listen up! Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that shrimp n grits southern deliciousness in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days .
The grits might thicken up a bit. Just add a splash of broth or water when you reheat them. I don't recommend freezing it, though.
The texture of the grits can change, and nobody wants grainy grits, right? Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations: Play it Your Way
Got dietary restrictions? No sweat! Wanna make it dairy-free? Sub in plant based butter and cheese. Honestly, it's almost as good! For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Ooh la la!. If you are out of lemons, lime juice is a great alternative. Sometimes, I swap out the shrimp for chicken.
Shrimp With Grits is wonderful, but chicken is great too.
A Little Nutrition Boost
I know we're talkin' comfort food here, but let's be real. Shrimp is a great source of protein. Grits? Well, they're carbs, but they give you energy! This simple shrimp and grits recipe has about 450 calories per serving.
You know? Not bad for a hearty, soul satisfying meal. It is also a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals!
Alright, there you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to creating the most amazing Southern Style Shrimp and Grits ever! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of grits should I use for Southern Shrimp and Grits?
For the best Southern Shrimp and Grits, use stone ground grits, not instant or quick cooking grits. Stone ground grits have a coarser texture and a much richer corn flavor that makes all the difference.
They take a little longer to cook, but trust me, the extra effort is worth it it's like comparing a vinyl record to an MP3!
Can I make Southern Shrimp and Grits ahead of time?
You can definitely prep parts of this dish in advance. The grits can be made ahead and reheated with a little extra broth or cream to loosen them up. The shrimp sauce can also be prepped, but I'd recommend cooking the shrimp just before serving to avoid them becoming rubbery.
Think of it like prepping your golf clubs the night before a big tournament get ready, but keep the main event fresh!
How do I store leftover Southern Shrimp and Grits?
Store leftover Shrimp and Grits in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grits might thicken up quite a bit, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore their creamy texture.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave just like warming up a leftover slice of pecan pie, you want to take your time and do it right!
I don't like spicy food. How can I adjust the heat in this Shrimp and Grits recipe?
No worries! If you're not a fan of the heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the shrimp sauce. You can also use a mild sausage instead of Andouille, or reduce the amount of smoked paprika, which can also contribute to a smoky flavor.
Just like Goldilocks finding the perfect porridge, adjust the spices until it's just right for you!
What can I substitute for Andouille sausage in my Southern Shrimp and Grits?
If you can't find Andouille sausage, you can substitute it with chorizo or kielbasa. These options will provide a similar smoky and savory flavor profile to the dish. You could even use a vegetarian sausage alternative to create a plant based twist on the classic Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe!
Are there any variations I can make to my Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding different cheeses to the grits, such as Gruyere or pepper jack for a flavor boost. You can also incorporate vegetables like roasted red peppers or mushrooms into the shrimp sauce. And if you're feeling adventurous, add a splash of beer or wine to the sauce for extra depth.
Think of it like adding your own personal touch to a jazz standard - keep the core, but make it your own!
Shrimp And Grits A Southern Staple Done Right
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 25g |
