SOUTHERN SHRIMP & GRITS | HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GRITS

shrimp

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu is a plant-based protein option, while canned tuna is often less expensive.

grits

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: polenta

Quinoa is a nutritious grain alternative, while polenta is typically more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat choice, while margarine can be a budget-friendly substitute.

Cook 5-6 pieces of bacon in a skillet until crispy.

Remove bacon from the skillet, keeping the grease in the pan.

Season shrimp with creole seasoning, paprika, and garlic and herb seasoning, and toss to combine.

Cook the bacon until crispy, then flip it to continue cooking.

Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, scraping the bacon bits from the bottom.

Add shrimp to the skillet in an even layer and cook for about 2 minutes.

Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add a handful of chopped onions and peppers to the shrimp and cook until softened.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet, leaving the onions and peppers behind.

Lift the bacon bits and shrimp pieces from the bottom of the pan to create a sauce.

Add about 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream to the skillet and mix well.

Add paprika, chicken bouillon seasoning, and more heavy whipping cream, mixing to combine.

Add 3-4 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce and mix until well combined.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot and add salt.

Once boiling, gradually stir in 1.5 cups of grits and bring back to a boil.

Cook the grits for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once thickened, add 1/2 stick of salted butter and mix until melted.

Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese and mix until melted and creamy.

Add up to 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, depending on desired creaminess.

Stir the grits continuously to prevent sticking and let sit for a minute to thicken.

Add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the grits and mix well.

Plate the grits and top with shrimp and bacon bits, drizzling some sauce over the top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens