Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grits
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the grits are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Increase the heat to medium-high, add the shrimp to the skillet, and sauté until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion to the skillet, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp and crispy bacon to the skillet, toss to mix, and cook for 1-2 minutes just to reheat. Spoon the creamy grits into bowls, then top with the shrimp and bacon mixture. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Equipment and Tools

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Paper towels

Preparation

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Chop the bacon, onion, and scallions, and mince the garlic to have everything ready for cooking.

Cooking Process

Follow the instructions listed above, cooking the grits simultaneously with preparing the shrimp and bacon to maximize efficiency and ensure all elements of the dish are warm upon serving.

Tips and Tricks

• For creamier grits, you can use half water and half milk.
• To add more flavor to the grits, consider using chicken broth instead of water.
• If you prefer a little heat, sprinkle additional cayenne pepper over the dish before serving.
• Save time by using pre-cooked bacon and add it at the same time as the shrimp.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 650
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 40g

Conclusion:

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Southern Shrimp and Grits, a savory dish that combines creamy, cheesy grits with tender shrimp and smoky bacon. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for Southern cuisine and warm your heart.