Smothered Shrimp and Grits is a comforting dish that brings together tender shrimp, creamy grits, and a delicious sauce. It’s a yummy Southern classic that warms the soul!
Who doesn’t love cheesy grits? I always add a little extra cheese for good measure. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want a cozy meal. You’ll love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Stone-ground grits: These provide a lovely texture and flavor. If you can’t find stone-ground, instant or quick-cooking grits can work, but the taste will be different. I think the stone-ground ones are worth the extra time!
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute shrimp with chicken or turkey sausage. It won’t have the same seafood flavor, but it’s still delicious.
Bacon: It adds smoky goodness to the dish. If you want to make it healthier, turkey bacon or even diced pancetta can be a great alternative. I love the classic flavor, but sometimes I use turkey bacon for a lower fat option.
Heavy cream: This gives a rich, creamy sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. The flavor will change, but it’s still tasty!
How Can I Ensure My Grits Are Perfectly Creamy?
The key to creamy grits is all about the cooking process. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Use a medium saucepan and bring the water to a rolling boil before adding grits.
- Whisk the grits slowly into the boiling water to avoid clumps. This step is crucial for smooth texture.
- After adding grits, keep the heat low and stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For super creamy grits, stir in more butter and cheese at the end—this adds richness and flavor!
Smothered Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40-50 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cutting ingredients, and 30-40 minutes cooking the shrimp, grits, and sauce. It’s the perfect cozy meal to enjoy on a weekend or special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Grits:
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once boiling, gradually whisk in the grits while stirring to avoid any lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer. Stir frequently for about 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens and the grits become tender.
2. Add Cheese and Butter:
Once the grits are cooked, remove them from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the delicious bacon drippings in the pan.
4. Prepare the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until they are pink and cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside as well.
5. Sauté the Veggies:
Using the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until they are soft, about 4-5 minutes. This will give your dish great flavor!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This creamy sauce is what makes the dish extra special!
7. Combine Everything:
Stir the cooked bacon and shrimp back into the creamy sauce, allowing everything to heat through for an additional minute. This melds all the fantastic flavors together.
8. Serve It Up:
Spoon the creamy, cheesy grits into serving dishes or a large skillet. Top the grits with the smothered shrimp and sauce. This dish looks colorful and inviting!
9. Add the Final Touches:
Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of flavor and color. It makes the dish look fantastic!
10. Dig In!
Serve immediately while everything is warm and enjoy your rich, creamy, and flavorful Southern classic dish. Each bite is sure to be comforting and delicious!
This recipe yields about 4 servings—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Enjoy!
Can I Use Instant Grits Instead of Stone-Ground Grits?
Absolutely! Instant grits will save you some cooking time. Just follow the package directions, but remember that the texture will be different—stone-ground grits are creamier and have a more robust flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
To turn up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning or some diced jalapeños when cooking the veggies. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the grits and make the shrimp sauce a few hours in advance. Just store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, ensuring to stir occasionally for even heating. If the grits are too thick, add a little water or cream to loosen them up.