Creamy Dreamy Shrimp and Grits
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like you need a culinary hug? That's Shrimp and Grits for you. This dish is a Southern comfort food classic that'll warm you right up.
It is made from the Shrimp With Grits and some other stuff to make it more delicious.
Brief Overview
Originating from the Lowcountry , Shrimp and Grits are a soul food staple. This recipe is rated medium difficulty. It takes around 50 minutes to make four servings.
It is the perfect Southern Comfort Food Recipes.
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with protein and good fats, making it both delicious and nutritious. Serve it at a cozy brunch or a comforting dinner.
What makes this recipe special is the creamy, cheesy grits and succulent shrimp gravy recipe.
Gather 'Round for Some Cheesy Grits Recipe Magic
You know, I stumbled upon Shrimp and Grits years ago. I was backpacking through South Carolina, and the smell was simply irresistible.
This is how I created this Recipe For Shrimp And Grits . From then I knew that this food was perfect.
It looked simple, tasted amazing, and was very cheap. It was a total winner. You should try it! I am going to teach you how.
Let's talk ingredients. We are gonna need stone ground grits. No instant stuff, okay? Stone Ground Grits Recipe is the way to go.
Trust me on this one. Get some cheddar, some heavy cream, and good butter for a perfectly Creamy Shrimp And Grits Recipe Southern .
The recipe is not complete if the food is not creamy.
Shrimply the Best: Easy Shrimp Dinner Recipes
The shrimp part is just as crucial. Good shrimp, bacon, onions, garlic, and a little bit of spice. Don't be afraid of the cayenne pepper.
It is not really that spicy, but the flavour is great. We want Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits , not bland and boring Shrimp With Grits .
You can make it more spicy if you like it. Honestly...it's your dish!
This Shrimp and Grits recipe is one of the Simple Shrimp And Grits you can find online. The ingredients and how it is made are very simple.
You can make it using ingredients that you have at home.
This Recipe For Shrimp And Grits is not just food, it's an experience. It's Southern charm on a plate. So grab your skillet, put on some blues, and let's get cooking!
Alright, let's dive into the heart of Shrimp and Grits ! We're talking ingredients and essential gear. Don't worry, it’s easier than you think.
Get ready to create some seriously delicious Southern comfort food!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking
First, let’s round up what we need. Remember, quality makes a huge difference. Think of it like choosing paint for your walls. Cheap paint looks, well, cheap!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
For the Grits:
- Water: 4 cups (946ml) Good ol' tap water works just fine.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) More to taste, of course. We're not robots!
- Stone Ground Grits: 1 cup (160g) Stone ground is key! No instant stuff, please. You want that texture.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (113g) Makes it extra decadent.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (57g) shredded Adds that cheesy goodness.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) Because butter makes everything better.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) Plus more to taste.
For the Shrimp:
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (14ml) For sautéing.
- Bacon: 4 slices , chopped Gotta have that smoky flavor!
- Onion: 1/2 cup (75g) diced Adds sweetness.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup (75g) diced Adds a bit of freshness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced Gotta have garlic, right?
- Large Shrimp: 1 pound (454g), peeled and deveined Fresh is best, but frozen works.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) Optional, for a kick!
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (118ml) Low sodium is a good choice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) Adds depth of flavor.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) Brightens things up.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) More butter!
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (14g) chopped For garnish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!
Alright, let’s talk spices. A good Shrimp Gravy Recipe isn’t complete without a little something extra.
A touch of cayenne pepper is a game changer. It gives your Shrimp and Grits a subtle kick. Don't forget the Worcestershire sauce. It adds a delicious umami flavor that's simply divine!
Equipment Needed: Simple & Sweet
- Large saucepan For the grits.
- Large skillet For the shrimp and gravy.
- Whisk To keep the grits smooth.
- Cutting board and chef's knife For chopping veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons For, well, measuring!
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. No fancy chef's knife? A regular kitchen knife works.
We're not striving for perfection here, just deliciousness. Now, are you ready to make some Creamy Shrimp And Grits Recipe Southern style? This Simple Shrimp And Grits recipe will make your taste buds sing.
It's a great intro to the world of Southern Comfort Food Recipes and this take on Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits has a nice touch to the traditional base!
Let's Make Some Creamy Dreamy Shrimp and Grits!
Honestly, who doesn't love Shrimp and Grits ? It's proper Southern comfort food! This Recipe For Shrimp And Grits is easy enough to make on a weeknight, but fancy enough to impress your mates.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our act together. Chop your bacon (4 slices), dice your onion and green bell pepper (1/2 cup each).
Mince those garlic cloves (2). Peel and devein 1 pound of shrimp. We want everything ready to go. This is essential for a smooth cooking experience.
Oh, and try to resist eating all the bacon!
step-by-step: From Zero to Shrimp With Grits Hero!
- Grits Time : Boil 4 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt in a large saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone ground grits . Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , stirring now and then. No instant grits, yeah ?
- Bacon Bliss : Fry your chopped bacon in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, but keep that bacon fat in the pan!
- Aromatic Adventure : Sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper in the bacon fat for about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Shrimp Sizzle : Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, but recommended!). Cook for about 2- 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don't overcook them, honestly. Nobody likes rubbery shrimp.
- Gravy Magic : Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes to thicken the sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
- Cheesy Grits Recipe : Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter and pepper to the grits, Now you have delicious Creamy Shrimp And Grits Recipe Southern .
- Assemble and Devour : Spoon the creamy grits into bowls. Top with the shrimp and gravy. Garnish with the bacon and some fresh parsley. Dig in!
Pro Tips for Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits Greatness
- Shortcut : You can chop your bacon the day before. It saves time when you are cooking Easy Shrimp Dinner Recipes .
- Mistake : Don't let your grits dry out! Stir them regularly, and add a splash of water if needed.
- If you feel brave enough, you can make the Shrimp Gravy Recipe a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it before serving.
And that’s it, honestly. A beautiful bowl of Southern Comfort Food Recipes , made easy! This Simple Shrimp and Grits recipe is a total winner. Trust me on this one.
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Shrimp and Grits
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Shrimp and Grits masterpiece. Awesome! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few key things that'll make your life easier.
These tips are from my own experience. Trust me, I've had my share of "oops" moments in the kitchen.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions for Shrimp With Grits
Presentation is key, right? Don't just dump everything in a bowl. Imagine you are Gordon Ramsey! Think about layering those creamy grits, then topping with that luscious shrimp gravy.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe a crispy bacon crumb makes it fancy. For sides, a light, bright salad cuts through the richness.
Roasted asparagus is another great shout. And of course, you can't go wrong with warm biscuits or cornbread! Seriously, Southern Comfort Food Recipes are screaming for it.
Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Recipe For Shrimp And Grits Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the grits and the shrimp separately in airtight containers. The grits will thicken as they cool, so you might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, I've never tried freezing it. I doubt Creamy Shrimp And Grits Recipe Southern would taste the same!
Reheating is crucial . Heat them up gently on the stove. Watch out for burning, and don't forget to add a splash of liquid!
Variations: Remixing Your Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits
Fancy a twist? Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack if you’re feeling spicy. Or, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
During the summer, fresh corn kernels would be amazing in the grits. You could even try adding some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
It will change the Simple Shrimp And Grits , but it still delicious!
Nutrition 101: The Goodness in Shrimp Gravy Recipe
Okay, let's get real. This isn't exactly a diet dish. It's all about Southern Comfort Food Recipes , remember. But, shrimp is a great source of protein, and the grits provide some fiber.
The recipe has an estimate of 550 calories per serving. Just enjoy it in moderation, and maybe hit the gym tomorrow.
You will be able to enjoy a delicious Easy Shrimp Dinner Recipes .
One serving has around 40g of protein, 35g of fat and 30g of carbohydrates.
So there you have it! Your Shrimp and Grits adventure awaits. Don't be afraid to experiment. This recipe is a guide, not a rulebook.
Have fun, and enjoy every single bite. With these tips, your friends and family will be begging you to make it again.
Now get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are grits, anyway? They aren't something you find in your average Tesco.
Grits are coarsely ground corn, similar to polenta but typically made from white corn instead of yellow. They're a Southern staple, and when cooked low and slow, they become incredibly creamy and delicious. Think of them as the Southern cousin of mashed potatoes comforting and versatile!
Can I make Shrimp and Grits ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party that's a bit like Downton Abbey but with less formality.
You can definitely prep elements of the dish in advance! The grits can be made ahead of time and reheated with a little extra liquid (milk or broth) to restore their creamy consistency.
The shrimp and gravy are best made fresh, but you can chop all the vegetables and measure out the spices beforehand to save time on the day. Just remember, fresh is best for the shrimp!
My Shrimp and Grits turned out bland. Help! Did I commit a culinary crime?
Don't worry, you're not going to culinary jail! Blandness is usually a sign of under seasoning. Be generous with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, especially when making the grits and the gravy. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can also add a welcome kick.
Taste as you go and adjust accordingly even chefs like Gordon Ramsay taste their food!
I'm watching my waistline. Is there a healthier way to make Shrimp and Grits? It's not exactly Slimming World friendly, is it?
You can lighten up Shrimp and Grits without sacrificing too much flavor. Use skim milk instead of heavy cream in the grits, reduce the amount of cheese, and use olive oil spray instead of bacon fat to cook the vegetables.
You can also add lots of extra veggies to the shrimp gravy, like spinach or mushrooms, to bulk it up with nutrients. A smaller portion will also help keep things on the lighter side.
How long does leftover Shrimp and Grits last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it? I don't want to waste any of this Southern treasure!
Leftover Shrimp and Grits will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to the grits to loosen them up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring frequently, but the skillet method will give you the best texture.
Make sure it's heated all the way through before serving!
What are some variations I can try to spice up my Shrimp and Grits game? Feeling a bit like Heston Blumenthal today!
Feeling adventurous, are we? Try adding Andouille sausage to the shrimp gravy for a smoky kick. You could also experiment with different cheeses in the grits, like Gouda or Gruyere. For a truly decadent experience, top the Shrimp and Grits with a fried egg the runny yolk adds richness and flavor.
Go wild and make it your own masterpiece!
Creamy Dreamy Shrimp And Grits
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
