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A delectable plate of Southern shrimp and grits, featuring plump shrimp and creamy grits.

How to grow: Shrimp and Grits (Southern) (3 ways)

This recipe provides three distinct methods for preparing classic Southern Shrimp and Grits, offering versatility and delicious results for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Grits
  • 1 cup Grits
  • 4 cups Water or Milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 slices Bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 Onion, chopped
  • 1/2 Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Method 1: Classic Southern
  1. Cook grits: Bring water or milk and salt to a boil, then slowly whisk in grits; reduce heat and simmer until creamy and thick.
  2. Prepare shrimp: Cook bacon until crispy, then sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the bacon fat; add shrimp and cook until pink.
  3. Finish sauce: Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce; simmer briefly, then stir in parsley and serve over grits.
Method 2: Spicy Cajun
  1. Cook grits: Prepare grits as in Method 1, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  2. Prepare shrimp: Cook bacon; sauté "holy trinity" (onion, celery, bell pepper) and garlic; add shrimp and cook until almost done.
  3. Finish sauce: Deglaze with white wine, then add diced tomatoes, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning; simmer and serve over spicy grits.
Method 3: Cheesy Baked
  1. Prepare grits: Cook grits as in Method 1, then stir in butter and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
  2. Prepare shrimp: Sauté shrimp with garlic, then stir in a creamy sauce made from chicken broth, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
  3. Bake: Combine cheesy grits and creamy shrimp in a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For truly creamy grits, consider using stone-ground grits and cooking them low and slow, stirring frequently. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.