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Shrimp and grits is elite comfort food.
Hereās a classic Southern-style versionārich, savory, a little smoky, and absolutely worth it:
š¤ Shrimp & Grits
Ingredients
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar (optional but encouraged š)
- Salt & black pepper
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne (to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 strips bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion or shallot, finely diced
- Splash of lemon juice
- Optional: Worcestershire, hot sauce, or Old Bay
- Green onions or parsley for garnish
How to Make It
1. Grits first (they take patience):
Bring water/stock to a boil, whisk in grits, lower heat, and simmer 20ā30 min, stirring often.
Stir in milk/cream, butter, cheese, salt & pepper. Keep warm and creamy.
2. Shrimp:
Season shrimp generously.
3. Build flavor:
Cook bacon until crispy. Remove, leave the fat.
Add butter, onion/shallot, and garlicācook until soft and fragrant.
4. Shrimp in:
Add shrimp, cook ~2 minutes per side until just pink.
Finish with lemon juice, Worcestershire/hot sauce if using. Toss bacon back in.
5. Serve:
Spoon grits into a bowl, top with shrimp and all that buttery sauce. Garnish and donāt rush this moment.
Optional Glow-Ups
- Add Andouille sausage
- Finish with cream + Parmesan instead of cheddar
- Cajun spice blend for heat
- Poached egg on top if youāre feeling dangerous š
Want it restaurant-style, extra spicy, or quick weeknight?