Description
A creamy, savory dish that combines rich grits with perfectly seared shrimp, flavored with smoky bacon and spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup grits (preferably stone-ground)
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 12 oz / 340 g)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until thick and tender.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy (about 6–8 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- When grits are tender, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add back the crispy bacon and stir until creamy and smooth.
- Spoon a generous portion of grits into shallow bowls, top with seared shrimp, spoon any pan juices over the shrimp, and garnish with chopped parsley and reserved bacon.
Notes
For a lighter finish, use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a pescatarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg