Easy Creamy Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

10m
Prep Time
15-20m
Cook Time
25m
Ready In

Recipe: #7454

May 26, 2012



"I love this dish; it is so satisfying, but still so easy to make. I use quick cooking grits to save some time; and I do try to cut down on some of the fat by using more chicken broth than cream, and a reduced fat cheese; however, this is still not the most 'figure friendly' meal. But, I don't make this very often, so it is a treat. It is just so good. This can be a main dish, side dish, brunch / lunch, or dinner - true comfort food."

Original is 5 servings
  • SHRIMP
  • GRITS
  • SAUCE

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (842.7 g)
  • Calories 843.5
  • Total Fat - 23.6 g
  • Saturated Fat - 12.5 g
  • Cholesterol - 70.9 mg
  • Sodium - 1691.9 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 131.2 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 3.8 g
  • Sugars - 3.5 g
  • Protein - 29.9 g
  • Calcium - 463.7 mg
  • Iron - 4.3 mg
  • Vitamin C - 104.1 mg
  • Thiamin - 1 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Shrimp ... Remove the shrimp from the refrigerator, peel and deveined. Many times, you can buy them already this way right from the store; if this is the case; make sure to thaw in a colander if frozen, so they are NOT sitting in water as they thaw. Once they are rinsed and drained well, add to a large bowl with the lemon juice, hot sauce (if you don't like spicy, use only 1 teaspoon, more if you like some spice; I suggest 1 teaspoon if you are not sure. Mix well and let them rest as you prepare the grits. NO more than 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Sauce ... Cook the bacon in a non stick pan on medium heat (you shouldn't need any oil if it is cooked slowly). Once the bacon is done, transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Then add in the onions and peppers to the pan and saute until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the garlic and scallions and cook another minute.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook another couple of minutes to combine, and to get rid of the 'raw' flour taste. Stir in the broth and bring to a light boil, reduce the heat to medium low, add the shrimp, cream, and stir until thickened and the shrimp become firm to the touch and pink. The shrimp will not take more than 3-5 minutes (depending on the size). You can always a bit more broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Step 4

Grits ... I use quick cooking grits, so make sure to follow the pkg directions. Different brands may have different directions, so just check. Approximately 6 cups of water, is what I find most quick cooking grits will call for using 1 1/2 cups of grits. Add the water, 1 teaspoon of salt to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the grits, and stir until combined. Most directions call to reduce to medium heat and continue to stir and cook until done. Again ... follow the package directions. Finish right before serving with the cheese. Start with 1 1/2 cups, you can add more if you want; but I find 1 1/2 cups is plenty; also add salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to taste.

Step 5

Note: The shrimp sauce and the grits will take approximately the same amount of time to cook; but you can cook the grits vs and keep them warm. Just don't add the cheese or seasonings until right before serving. Simply cover the grits and keep off the heat until ready to finish and serve.

Step 6

Serve ... Finish the grits with the cheese, hot sauce, paprika, salt and pepper and stir until the cheese is melted. You may have to add them back to the heat for just a minute. You can also add a bit of cream or broth to the grits if you like them very soft (personal preference). Serve the grits in a bowl and top with the creamy shrimp. Finish with fresh parsley; and for my friends ... more hot sauce. ENJOY!

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When selecting shrimp, make sure to buy a variety that is large enough for the dish. Smaller shrimp will not have the same flavor or texture.
  • For the cheese, use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.

  • Substitute chicken broth for the half and half - This substitution reduces the fat content of the dish, making it a healthier option for those looking for a lighter meal.
  • Substitute reduced fat cheese for the cheddar cheese - This substitution reduces the fat and calories in the dish, making it a healthier option for those looking to watch their intake.

Cajun Creamy Shrimp and Cheesy Grits Replace the hot sauce in the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the grits. Increase the amount of hot sauce in the grits to 1 teaspoon. Omit the paprika and garnish with fresh parsley and diced green onions.



Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan - This simple side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the creamy shrimp and cheesy grits. Roasting the broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and the garlic and Parmesan add an extra layer of flavor. It's a great way to add a healthy vegetable to the meal without taking away from the comfort food feel.


Fried Okra: Fried okra is a classic Southern dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy shrimp and cheesy grits. It's full of flavor and crunch, and it adds a delicious textural contrast to the meal. Plus, it's a great way to get some extra veggies into the meal.




FAQ

Q: Can I use regular grits instead of quick cooking grits?

A: Yes, you can use regular grits instead of quick cooking grits. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of water used according to the package directions.



Q: How long do I need to cook grits?

A: The cooking time for grits depends on the type of grits you are using. Quick cooking grits usually take about 5 minutes, while regular grits can take up to 30 minutes. Be sure to follow the package instructions for the best results.

1 Reviews

DixieDoddle

My oh my, this is some good shrimp right here! Loved the sauce. Southern comfort in a dish!

5.0

review by:
(23 Oct 2013)

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Fun facts:

The dish of shrimp and grits is popular in the Southern United States. It is believed to have originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, and has been a staple of the cuisine for centuries.

Shrimp and grits has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including the 2004 movie The Prince and Me, the 2013 film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and the TV show Parks and Recreation.