Savory Shrimp with Cheddar Grits Delight
Indulge in a Southern classic with this Savory Shrimp with Cheddar Grits Delight. Inspired by The Crook's Corner Restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC, and featured in Southern Living Magazine, this dish brings together perfectly sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese grits, creating a rich and comforting meal that's perfect for gathering friends and family. The balance of flavors from the shrimp, enhanced with fresh lemon juice and a hint of hot sauce, pairs beautifully with the velvety texture of cheesy grits. Ideal for brunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
2 slices (Cooked and crumbled)
Medium raw shrimp
1 lb (Peeled and deveined)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (For dredging shrimp)
Fresh mushrooms
1 cup (Sliced)
Canola oil
2 teaspoons (For sautéing)
Green onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
1 3/4 cups (Divided)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Nonfat milk
1 cup (For grits)
Quick-cooking grits
1 cup (Uncooked)
Shredded 2% reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (For mixing into the grits)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (For mixing into the grits)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet, crumble, and set aside on paper towels to drain. Keep 1 teaspoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
2
While the bacon is cooking, peel and devein the shrimp if desired. Season the shrimp with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then gently coat them with the flour, shaking off any excess.
3
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Next, add the chopped green onions and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
4
Introduce the seasoned shrimp and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing for 2 more minutes or until the shrimp are just lightly browned.
5
Add in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
6
For the cheese grits, combine the chicken broth, nonfat milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan, bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the quick-cooking grits, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
7
Finally, stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese, additional salt, hot sauce, and white pepper into the grits until well combined and creamy.
8
Serve the shrimp mixture generously over the hot cheese grits, and finish off by sprinkling with the crumbled bacon for an extra crunch. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Shrimp with Cheddar Grits Delight?
It is a Southern classic dish featuring sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese grits, inspired by The Crook's Corner Restaurant.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by The Crook's Corner Restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC, and was featured in Southern Living Magazine.
How many ingredients are needed for this dish?
The recipe calls for a total of 17 ingredients, including seafood, dairy, and various seasonings.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
Cook two slices of bacon in a large nonstick skillet until crispy, then crumble them and set aside, reserving one teaspoon of drippings for the skillet.
What type of shrimp is best to use?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of medium raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
How should the shrimp be seasoned and prepped?
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess before sautéing.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced fresh mushrooms in the reserved bacon drippings for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender.
When should I add the green onions?
Add the chopped green onions to the skillet after the mushrooms are tender and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp and minced garlic should be sautéed for about 2 minutes or until the shrimp are just lightly browned.
What liquids are used for the shrimp sauce?
The sauce is created using chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce, which also helps deglaze the skillet.
What type of grits are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses one cup of uncooked quick-cooking grits.
How do I prepare the base for the cheese grits?
Combine chicken broth, nonfat milk, and salt in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
How long do the grits need to simmer?
Once the grits are whisked into the boiling liquid, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
What kinds of cheese are added to the grits?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of shredded 2% reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What final seasonings are added to the grits?
Stir in additional salt, hot sauce, and white pepper once the grits are thickened and the cheese has melted.
How is the dish served?
Serve the shrimp mixture generously over the hot cheese grits and sprinkle with the reserved crumbled bacon.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, this dish is highly recommended for both brunch and cozy dinners.
What gives the grits their creamy texture?
The combination of nonfat milk, chicken broth, and two types of melted cheese creates a velvety, creamy texture.
Can I use regular grits instead of quick-cooking?
While possible, regular grits will require a much longer cooking time and potentially more liquid than this specific recipe suggests.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavor of the shrimp.
What is the purpose of the flour on the shrimp?
Dredging the shrimp in flour helps them achieve a light brown crust and slightly thickens the pan sauce.
What kind of chicken broth should I use?
The recipe suggests fat-free low-sodium chicken broth to keep the dish lighter while maintaining flavor.
Is there a specific oil recommended for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of canola oil for the sautéing process.
Does this dish contain any spice?
Yes, hot sauce is added to both the shrimp mixture and the grits to provide a hint of heat.
What role does white pepper play in the grits?
White pepper provides a subtle, clean heat without the visual black specks of traditional black pepper.
How much cheddar cheese is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of shredded 2% reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese.
Can I substitute the bacon?
While bacon provides the base flavor and fat for sautéing, you could use turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative with extra oil.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves for the best flavor.
What is the total cooking time for the grits?
The grits take about 10 minutes to simmer after the liquid reaches a boil.
How do I ensure the grits don't have lumps?
Gradually whisk the grits into the boiling liquid and stir occasionally while they simmer to keep them smooth.