Shrimp and Grits
Try this Shrimp and Grits recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Shrimp and Grits recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups water
- pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 pound shrimp
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cups milk (i used whole milk)
- 1 cup grits ((not the quick-cooking kind - i use bob's
- 1 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (white shredded)
- 3 pieces bacon
- 1/3 cup green onions (sliced plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (or more if you like it hot!)
- Carbohydrate 11.3828488396685 g
- Cholesterol 431.89666310654 mg
- Fat 63.6221556485508 g
- Fiber 1.72773695246379 g
- Protein 84.4936049305259 g
- Saturated Fat 20.4275364741293 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (642g)
- Sodium 606.128614423533 mg
- Sugar 9.6551118872047 g
- Trans Fat 5.9905715733394 g
- Calories 974 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the water, milk, and salt in a medium saucepan over high heat. When the mixture comes to a light boil, gradually whisk in the grits, turn the heat down to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Be sure to whisk every few minutes otherwise it will stick to the bottom of the pan. Once done, stir in the cheese and butter.
- Meanwhile, peel the shrimp and pat them dry. Sprinkle the flour on a plate and dredge the shrimp in the flour until evenly coated, then set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a medium saute pan over medium heat until brown on both sides and cooked all the way through. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.
- Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pan. With the heat still on medium throw in the green onions and cook while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the flour-coated shrimp, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper to the pan and cook for a few more minutes until the shrimp is pink on both sides and cooked all the way through.
- Add the broth, lemon juice, hot sauce, and crumbled bacon to the pan and cook while stirring just until the sauce thickens (another couple minutes) and then turn off the heat.
- Evenly divide and spoon the grits onto plates and top with the cooked shrimp and sauce. Garnish with fresh green onions if desired and serve warm.
Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Comfort Food Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. Weeknights are often a blur of school pick-ups, homework help, and the general chaos of family life. But even amidst the whirlwind, I crave comfort food – food that nourishes my body and soul. That's where this Shrimp and Grits recipe comes in. It's surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers a flavor explosion that makes it feel like a special occasion, even on a Tuesday night.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The creamy, cheesy grits provide a comforting base, a blank canvas for the succulent, flavorful shrimp. The smoky bacon adds a delightful richness, while the fresh green onions provide a bright, herbaceous counterpoint. It's a perfect balance of textures and tastes, a symphony of Southern flavors that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. I've tweaked this recipe over the years, experimenting with different types of grits, cheeses, and spices to find the perfect combination. My family's favorite version uses Bob's Red Mill grits – they have a wonderful texture and hold their shape perfectly. And while I typically opt for whole-wheat flour to add a bit of extra fiber, you can certainly use all-purpose flour if you prefer.
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Journey
This Shrimp and Grits recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the journey. It's about the quiet moments spent in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring the grits. It's about the satisfaction of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little bit of self-care and culinary creativity. For me, cooking is a form of meditation, a way to disconnect from the demands of the day and reconnect with myself. The rhythmic stirring of the grits, the sizzle of the shrimp in the pan – these are the sounds of comfort, the sounds of home. And the aroma? Oh, the aroma! It fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting fragrance that draws everyone in, creating a sense of family and togetherness.
More Than Just a Meal: A Culinary Tradition
Shrimp and grits, in my experience, transcends the boundaries of a simple meal. It’s a culinary tradition, a piece of Southern heritage passed down through generations. I often think about the women who came before me, the grandmothers and mothers who perfected this dish, who shared it with their families, and who created memories around the table. This recipe carries their legacy, their love and passion for good food, and it’s an honor to continue that legacy in my own kitchen. I hope this recipe will become a cherished part of your culinary traditions as well.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce, or even experiment with different types of hot sauce to find your perfect level of heat. For a richer, creamier grits, try using heavy cream instead of milk. You could also add other vegetables to the shrimp, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite variations. I’ve even seen variations with Andouille sausage. Ultimately, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability – you can make it your own.
Beyond the Plate: Connecting with Family and Friends
One of the most rewarding aspects of cooking is sharing the meal with loved ones. Whether it's a family dinner, a get-together with friends, or a quiet night in with your spouse, sharing this Shrimp and Grits recipe creates a space for connection, conversation, and laughter. It's a reminder that some of the most precious moments in life happen around the table, sharing a simple yet delicious meal.
A Taste of the South, Right at Your Table
So, the next time you're looking for a comforting, flavorful, and relatively quick weeknight meal, give this Shrimp and Grits recipe a try. It's a taste of Southern charm, a culinary embrace that will warm you from the inside out. It’s more than just food; it’s a feeling, a memory in the making.
Enjoy!
