Simple Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Assemble ingredients for grits and set aside. They won't take long to cook, and you want them to finish when the shrimp is ready.

Step 2

Peel the shrimp and devein where the sand vein is obvious. The vein is harmless, after all, and is not often removed in commercial dishes (think gumbo and fried shrimp) It only needs to be removed when it interferes with the visual presentation. To remove it, just cut into the rounded top of the shrimp and put the tip of a knife under the vein to lift it out.

Step 3

Cook the bacon pieces in a large skillet and transfer the crisp pieces to a paper towel to drain. Remove any excess bacon fat from the pan, leaving 2 tablespoons in the pan to season the shrimp and tomatoes.

Step 4

Start the grits now by bringing the liquid,salt, pepper, hot sauce, and garlic to a boil.

Step 5

Whisk in the grits and return to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes, until the grits are thickened.

Step 6

Stir in the cheese, cooking another minute to combine it all and melt the cheese. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 7

While the grits are simmering, cook the shrimp and tomatoes in the skillet for 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Residual heat will continue the cooking some.

Step 8

Stir in the bacon and green onions, reserving some of the green onions for a garnish to the plated dish.

Step 9

To plate the dish, spoon shrimp over a serving of grits and top with a sprinkle of green onions.

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.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When selecting shrimp, look for ones that are firm and have a mild, sweet smell.
For a richer flavor, use half water and half chicken broth for the grits.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute the bacon with diced ham for a smoky, salty flavor. The benefit of this substitution is that it is a lower fat option than bacon, while still providing a similar smoky flavor.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with feta cheese for a tangy flavor. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a unique and interesting flavor to the dish, while still providing the same creamy texture.

Variations

Cajun Shrimp and Grits Replace the bacon with Andouille sausage and add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp and tomatoes. Use a combination of chicken broth and water for the liquid in the grits, and replace the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese.

Serve with

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan - This simple side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the creamy grits and savory shrimp. Roasting the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, and the lemon and Parmesan add a bright, salty flavor that complements the other components of the meal.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes: These potatoes are a tasty and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with the roasted asparagus. Roasting the potatoes with garlic and herbs adds a savory flavor that will bring out the flavor of the other components of the meal. The potatoes are also a great source of carbohydrates to help round out the meal.

FAQ

Q: How do I devein the shrimp?

A: To devein the shrimp, cut into the rounded top of the shrimp and put the tip of a knife under the vein to lift it out. If the sand vein is not obvious, deveining is not necessary.

Q: What is the best way to cook shrimp?

A: Shrimp can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, sautéing, and boiling. The cooking time will vary depending on the method, so be sure to follow the recipe instructions for the best results.