Savory Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Savory Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits recipe. This delicious dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a tangy, smoky bacon gravy served over creamy, cheesy grits. The combination of the citrusy lemon, the heat from Tabasco, and the savory bacon creates a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe brings a taste of Charleston to your kitchen that you will want to share with friends and family!
4
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium shrimp
1 1/2 lbs (peeled, halved lengthwise, and deveined)
lemon
1 (juice only)
Tabasco sauce
to taste
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
stone ground corn grits
1 1/2 cups (do not use instant or quick-cooking)
bacon
6 slices (chopped)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
green bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
scallion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
chicken stock
1 cup
unsalted butter
1-2 tablespoons
cheddar cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with the lemon juice and a few generous dashes of Tabasco sauce. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the grits and gravy.
2
For the grits, bring 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large heavy saucepan.
3
Gradually whisk in the corn grits a handful at a time, allowing the mixture to bubble. Once fully incorporated, reduce the heat to a very low simmer.
4
Cook the grits for 35-40 minutes, stirring frequently, especially towards the end, until they become thick and creamy.
5
In a separate skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s brown but still soft. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion and bell pepper are tender.
6
Next, mix in the sliced scallions and sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
7
Pour in the chicken stock and add the remaining salt. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly, then remove it from heat to keep warm.
8
Once the grits are creamy, stir in the butter and gradually add the grated cheddar cheese until melted. If desired, add more Tabasco sauce and salt to taste.
9
Cover the grits to keep warm while finishing the shrimp gravy. Return the bacon mixture to medium heat and stir in the marinated shrimp. Cook until the shrimp is opaque throughout, about 5 minutes.
10
To serve, mound a generous portion of cheesy grits in shallow bowls or on plates and pile the shrimp and gravy on top. Enjoy your delicious Southern-inspired meal!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
35g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits?
It is a classic Southern dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a smoky bacon gravy served over creamy, cheddar-infused stone ground grits.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of shrimp should be used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of medium shrimp that are peeled, halved lengthwise, and deveined.
Can I use instant grits for this recipe?
No, the recipe specifically states to use stone ground corn grits and not to use instant or quick-cooking varieties.
How many calories are in a serving of Southern Shrimp and Grits?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What ingredients are used to marinate the shrimp?
The shrimp are marinated in lemon juice and several dashes of Tabasco sauce.
How long do the stone ground grits take to cook?
The grits should be simmered for 35 to 40 minutes until they become thick and creamy.
What kind of cheese is added to the grits?
One cup of grated cheddar cheese is stirred into the grits once they are creamy.
How do you prepare the bacon for the gravy?
Chop 6 slices of bacon and cook them over medium heat until brown but still soft.
What vegetables are included in the shrimp gravy?
The gravy includes finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and thinly sliced scallions.
What is used to thicken the shrimp gravy?
Two tablespoons of unbleached all-purpose flour and one cup of chicken stock are used to create and thicken the gravy.
Is there a specific ratio of water for the grits?
Yes, use 6 cups of water for 1.5 cups of stone ground corn grits.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 35 grams of carbohydrates.
When do you add the shrimp to the mixture?
The marinated shrimp are added to the bacon and vegetable mixture after the gravy has simmered and thickened.
How long should the shrimp cook?
The shrimp should be cooked for about 5 minutes until they are opaque throughout.
What type of butter should be used for the grits?
The recipe recommends 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What is the recommended serving style?
Mound a generous portion of cheesy grits in a shallow bowl and pile the shrimp and gravy on top.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can add more Tabasco sauce to the shrimp marinade or the finished grits to reach your desired level of heat.
What regional cuisine does this recipe represent?
This dish represents Southern American cuisine, specifically inspired by Charleston flavors.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is classified under the Breakfast category and is perfect for brunch.
How much salt is used in the grits?
Initially, 1 teaspoon of salt is added to the boiling water, with more added to taste at the end.
Do I need to peel the shrimp?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise before marinating.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shrimp, grits, southern cuisine, breakfast, brunch, charleston, cheesy grits, seafood, and comfort food.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 minced cloves of garlic.
What is the purpose of the scallions?
The thinly sliced scallions are mixed into the bacon and vegetable sauté to add flavor to the gravy.
How do I prevent the grits from sticking?
Stir the grits frequently, especially towards the end of the 35-40 minute cooking time, to ensure they stay creamy and don't stick.
What kind of flour is best for the gravy?
The recipe recommends using unbleached all-purpose flour.
Can I use a different pepper if I don't have green bell pepper?
While the recipe specifies green bell pepper, you could likely substitute another bell pepper, though it may slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.