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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 guide provides three distinct methods for preparing classic Southern Shrimp and Grits, offering variations for different tastes and skill levels. Learn to create this comforting and flavorful dish with fresh shrimp and creamy grits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Grits
  • 1 cup Grits
  • 4 cups Water or Milk
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 0.5 cup Cheese (Cheddar or Gruyere)
Shrimp
  • 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 strips or 4 oz Bacon or Andouille Sausage
  • 0.5 cup Onion, chopped
  • 0.5 cup Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 dash Hot Sauce (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Basic Southern Shrimp & Grits
  • All ingredients listed above as per Grits and Shrimp sections
Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Grits
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper or to taste
Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp & Grits
  • 0.25 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped
  • 0.25 cup White Wine optional
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions, sliced
  • Lemon wedges for serving
Additional options
  • Hot sauce for serving
Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Cayenne Pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Part 1: Basic Grits Preparation
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring water or milk and salt to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then slowly whisk in the grits.
  2. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are creamy and tender. If they become too thick, you can add more liquid.
  3. Stir in butter and cheese until melted and fully incorporated, then keep warm until the shrimp are ready.
Part 2: Basic Southern Shrimp & Grits
  1. Cook bacon or sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy; remove meat and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of drippings.
  2. Add olive oil to the skillet with drippings and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in cooked bacon/sausage, hot sauce (if using), and fresh parsley, then remove from heat. Serve immediately over the warm, creamy grits.
Part 3: Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Grits Variation
  1. Follow the Basic Grits Preparation from Step 1.
  2. After cooking onion and bell pepper in Step 5 of the Basic Southern Shrimp & Grits, stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, proceed with adding garlic and shrimp as per the basic recipe.
Part 4: Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp & Grits Variation
  1. Follow the Basic Grits Preparation from Step 1.
  2. Follow Steps 4-5 of the Basic Southern Shrimp & Grits, then add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), then stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, fresh thyme, and broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
  3. Stir in cooked bacon/sausage and fresh parsley, then remove from heat. Serve immediately over creamy grits.
Part 5: Serving Suggestions
  1. Garnish each serving with sliced green onions and a lemon wedge. Offer additional hot sauce for those who prefer more heat.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider using chicken stock instead of water for cooking the grits. Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially the hot sauce and Cajun spices. The types of cheese and sausage can also be varied to create different flavor profiles.