🍤 Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern comfort dish that combines creamy grits with savory, seasoned shrimp. It originated as a simple fishermen’s breakfast along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, and later became a staple of Southern cuisine.
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the grits:
Bring water or broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring often. Stir in butter, milk/cream, cheese, and salt. Keep warm. - Cook the shrimp:
Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove bacon (leave a little fat in the pan).
Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
Add shrimp, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
Stir bacon back in and add lemon juice. - Serve:
Spoon creamy grits into bowls. Top with shrimp mixture. Garnish with green onions.
🔥 Variations
- Add a splash of hot sauce for heat
- Stir in a little heavy cream for richer grits
- Add tomatoes for a Creole-style version
If you’d like, I can also give you a quick 20-minute version or a restaurant-style elevated version.
