Shrimp & Grits
When living in Montréal, I often drove 🚙 on the east side of the United States. I went to Vermont and New Hampshire which are both fabulous, spent a few times in beautiful Ogunquit in Maine, and drove all the way to New York city once… it’s insanely crazy driving in the city!
I flew to Atlanta a couple times for connections and of course, went many times to different parts of Florida by plane. Sadly, I never went anywhere between the Big Apple 🍎 and the Sunshine State. David and I want to visit all these states on the east coast… they’re on our bucket list!
Although I haven’t visited the Southern part of the USA yet, I’ve sampled much of its cuisine. There’s Biscuits & Gravy, Sweet Potato Pie 🍠, Brunswick Stew, Corn Fritters, Red Beans & Rice, Hoppin` John, Tomato Pie, Pulled Pork, Fried Chicken, Jambalaya, Sausage Gravy, Pimento Cheese Sandwich, and the list goes on…
Another dish that is a Southern staple is Shrimp & Grits! This is comfort food to the max 🥰! With a lovely rich shrimp sauce along with smooth and cheesy grits, this is a quick recipe to make anytime! As much as it’s a traditional breakfast meal, it can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner!
My version of Shrimp & Grits is slightly different but nonetheless, extremely flavorful! I start by rendering bacon 🥓 in a skillet before adding large shrimp. I flavor them with my Creole Seasoning, salt and pepper… the combination is amazing!
From there, I quickly sauté them 🍤 for no more than 1 minute or until almost pink. Many home cooks tend to overcook them which in turn, the delicate flesh can become rubbery. Also, they’re returning to the skillet later on so don’t worry.
Frankly, I never cooked grits until recently. I’m not an expert or pretend to be when it comes to cooking them. In fact, when I bought 🛒 it at the supermarket in Bellingham • Washington, I asked someone if there’s another way of making it besides the directions on the box.
One thing about grits is they’re a little bland so adding milk versus water and cheese, gives some personality to the porridge. I use sharp Cheddar cheese but in retrospect, I should’ve also added some unsalted butter 🧈 to make it creamier… next time!
One thing I forgot to mention in the video is after the grits are in the pot, it’s important to whisk continuously for 2 minutes to prevent the mixture from getting lumpy! Now, for us Canadians 🍁, grits are not a food item that we can find easily therefore, swap them with Robuchon creamy mashed potatoes…
This Southern Shrimp & Grits dish is so comforting and very satisfying! With a gorgeous mix of bacon and shrimp sauce, spooned over cheesy and creamy porridge, this is totally a must try! It’s another delightful 30-minute ⏰ recipe to add to your folder.
Bon Appétit! 🍽
Here are several more delicious shrimp recipes for you to enjoy… 😀
– Creole Couscous with Andouille & Shrimp
– Garlic Shrimp
– Shrimp Po’ Boy
– Creamy Shrimp Linguine
– Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup
– Shrimp Salad Sandwich
– Prawn Saganaki
– Shrimp Maque Choux
and for even more seafood & fish recipes 🐟🦞, click on this link… Recipe Category • Fish & Seafood
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Shrimp & Grits
Hover to scale
Ingredients
SHRIMP
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 lb. prawns or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tbsp. Creole seasoning see Recipe
- 1/2 tsp. ground Himalayan pink salt, or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped tips & tricks
- 1/2 cup red peppers, finely chopped
- 3 large green onions, thinly sliced, white & green parts separated
- 2 large cloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped
- 3 tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. hot sauce
- 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice tips & tricks
GRITS
- 4 1/4 cups whole milk or 2%
- 1/2 tsp. ground Himalayan pink salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 1 cup sharp white Cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
- To make the shrimp…In a large skillet, add bacon and turn the heat to medium. Sauté until almost crispy, about 9 to 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp and sprinkle on Creole seasoning, salt and pepper. Sauté for 1 minute or almost pink. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon and shrimp to a bowl; set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet and when melted, add celery and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add red peppers and white parts of green onions; cook for 2 minutes. Quickly sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add flour and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Meanwhile, make the grits…In a medium pot over medium heat, add milk and salt; bring to a boil. Slowly add grits, whisking continuously for 2 minutes.
- Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until grits gets thick and creamy, about 5 to 6 minutes, whisking often.
- Remove from the heat and, working in batches, add cheese; stir until nicely combined. Cover and set aside.
- Return the bacon and shrimp back to the skillet along with any accumulated juices, making sure the shrimp are submerged. Cook for just 2 minutes, enough to warm up the proteins.
- Spoon grits into warm bowls, top with sauce mixture and garnish with green parts of green onions.
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My wife and I made this recipe last night. We used mashed potatoes instead and you’re right, it was so tasty!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe 😀! Mashed potatoes are a great substitute for grits! Enjoy the rest of your day 🌞