Description
Irresistible Shrimp And Grits is a rich, comforting seafood dinner that brings together juicy Cajun shrimp, creamy cheesy grits, smoky bacon, and a savory pan sauce in one easy recipe. It is perfect for quick dinner ideas, easy dinner nights, Southern comfort food cravings, and food ideas that feel special without being complicated.
Ingredients
1 cup stone-ground or quick grits
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring often, until the grits are tender and creamy.
2. Stir the butter and shredded cheddar into the grits until smooth. Cover and keep warm.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate and leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
4. Pat the shrimp dry, then season them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until opaque and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
6. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Return the shrimp and bacon to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
9. Spoon the warm cheesy grits into bowls, top with the shrimp mixture, and finish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp, because they can turn rubbery very quickly once they are fully opaque.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 255mg
Keywords: shrimp and grits, easy shrimp and grits, Cajun shrimp and grits, cheesy grits recipe, Southern dinner ideas, seafood dinner, easy recipe, comfort food