Exploring Southern Shrimp and Grits: A Comforting Coastal Delight

A Taste of Southern Heritage

Shrimp and grits, a beloved dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, is rooted deeply in the southern coastal regions of the United States. With origins tracing back to the Lowcountry, this dish combines the bounty of the sea with hearty ingredients, reflecting the rich culinary traditions passed down through generations. The blend of creamy, buttery grits topped with seasoned shrimp, smoky bacon, and a zesty lemon pan sauce embodies the essence of comfort food.

This shrimp and grits recipe is not just delicious but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a southern breakfast or any meal of the day. Below are the details:

• Creamy, buttery stone-ground grits topped with sautéed shrimp, smoky bacon, and a flavorful pan sauce — a true Southern favorite that blends comfort and coastal flavor in every bite.

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  🕒 Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

  • Servings: 4

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  🧂 Ingredients

  For the Grits

  • 1 cup (180g) stone-ground grits

  • 4 cups (950ml) water or chicken broth

  • 1 cup (240ml) milk

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

  For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

  • ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth or white wine

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Chopped green onions for garnish

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  🔪 Directions

  1. Cook the Grits
     In a saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil.
     Slowly whisk in grits and reduce heat to low.
     Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring often until creamy.
     Add butter, salt, and cheese (if using) — stir until smooth and keep warm.

  2. Cook the Bacon
     In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
     Remove bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

  3. Sauté the Shrimp
     Add olive oil or butter to the pan with bacon drippings.
     Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
     Stir in shrimp, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
     Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

  4. Make the Pan Sauce
     Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice to deglaze the pan.
     Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced, stirring to loosen all the flavors.

  5. Assemble and Serve
     Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with shrimp mixture, crispy bacon, and garnish with green onions.
     Serve immediately while warm!

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  💡 Pro Tips

  • Stone-ground grits yield the creamiest texture — avoid instant grits if possible.

  • For extra flavor, cook grits in half broth, half milk.

  • Add a touch of hot sauce or smoked paprika for bold flavor.