Charleston Comfort Shrimp and Grits
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Charleston with this exquisite shrimp and grits dish. This classic low-country favorite brings together succulent shrimp and hearty andouille sausage, all beautifully complemented by sautéed bell peppers and aromatic spices. Nestled atop a creamy bed of cheese-infused grits, each bite offers a delightful explosion of Southern flavors that is perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners at home. Serve this culinary masterpiece to friends and family and watch as they savor every delicious mouthful!
8
Servings
400
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
coarsely ground grits
1 cup (none)
water
3 cups (none)
salt
2 teaspoons + to taste (none)
half-and-half
2 cups (none)
uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 lbs (peeled and deveined)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
lemon
1 (juice only)
andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 lb (sliced)
bacon
5 slices (cooked and crumbled)
green bell pepper, chopped
1 (chopped)
red bell pepper, chopped
1 (chopped)
yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 (chopped)
chopped onion
1 cup (chopped)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
butter
1/4 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
chicken broth
1 cup (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, bring water, coarsely ground grits, and salt to a rolling boil. Gradually stir in the half-and-half, then reduce the heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thickened and tender. Once done, set aside and keep warm.
2
In a mixing bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, cayenne pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Toss well and set aside to marinate.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a separate large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until evenly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain and cool, retaining the drippings in the skillet. Crumble the cooled bacon.
5
Using the bacon drippings, sauté the chopped green, red, and yellow bell peppers, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 8 minutes.
6
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and andouille sausage, stirring to combine all ingredients.
7
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook while stirring until the mixture achieves a medium brown color, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Be vigilant as it can burn easily.
8
Slowly pour the prepared butter-flour mixture into the skillet containing the sausage, shrimp, and vegetables. Raise the heat to medium and incorporate the chicken broth, crumbled bacon, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens and the shrimp turn opaque and bright pink, about 8 minutes.
9
Before serving, fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the warm grits until fully melted, resulting in a creamy, luscious consistency. To serve, ladle the shrimp and sausage mixture over the cheese grits, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
38g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charleston Comfort Shrimp and Grits?
It is a classic low-country favorite featuring succulent shrimp, andouille sausage, and peppers served over creamy cheese-infused grits.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories, 20g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
What type of grits are recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of coarsely ground grits.
How long do the grits need to simmer?
The grits should simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are thickened and tender.
What makes the grits extra creamy?
The addition of 2 cups of half-and-half and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese creates a creamy consistency.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
You should use 2 lbs of uncooked shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What is used to marinate the shrimp?
The shrimp are seasoned with salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and the juice of one lemon.
What kind of sausage is used in this recipe?
One pound of andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices, is used for its smoky flavor.
How do you cook the bacon for this recipe?
Cook 5 slices of bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, then crumble them and set aside while retaining the drippings.
What do I do with the bacon drippings?
The bacon drippings are used to sauté the green, red, and yellow bell peppers along with the onion and garlic.
Which vegetables are included in the sauté?
The recipe includes one green bell pepper, one red bell pepper, one yellow bell pepper, one cup of chopped onion, and one teaspoon of minced garlic.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt 1/4 cup of butter and gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste.
How long should the roux be cooked?
Cook the butter-flour mixture on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until it achieves a medium brown color.
What liquids are used for the sauce?
The sauce is built using the roux and 1 cup of chicken broth.
What adds a savory tang to the shrimp mixture?
One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to the skillet to enhance the flavor profile.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and bright pink, which usually takes about 8 minutes in the sauce.
When should the cheese be added to the grits?
Fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the warm grits just before serving so it melts completely.
What is the total preparation time for the vegetables?
The onion and peppers should be sautéed for about 8 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild kick from the andouille sausage and a pinch of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use water only for the grits?
The recipe starts with 3 cups of water but adds half-and-half for a richer, more traditional Charleston style.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Ladle the savory shrimp and sausage mixture over a generous portion of the creamy cheese grits.
Does the recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it specifies one teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter for the roux.
What type of cheese is best?
The recipe recommends shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor.
What are the primary tags for this dish?
The dish is tagged as shrimp, grits, low-country, southern cuisine, and comfort food.
How much salt is used in the grits?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt for the grits, plus more to taste.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
The lemon juice acts as a bright acidic component to marinate the shrimp and balance the richness of the sausage.
Is there any fiber or sugar in the nutritional breakdown?
The nutritional data provided does not specify the fiber or sugar content.
Can I prepare the grits in advance?
Yes, once thickened and tender, you can set the grits aside and keep them warm while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.