Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is one of my favorite southern dishes. Originating from coastal South Carolina, this dish consists of a rich, bacony gravy with bell peppers, onions, and shrimp ladled over creamy cheddar grits.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: South Carolina
Keyword: main course, seafood, South Carolina, USA
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 6 slices bacon or 2 links of andouille sausage; diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Grits

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup coarse ground grits
  • 1 cup half and half

Instructions

  • Season the shrimp with salt and cayenne pepper. Squeeze over the lemon juice and let marinate for 15 minutes.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Bring the water and salt to a boil. Whisk in the grits.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Whisk in the half and half. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Cover and set aside.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Brown the bacon in a large saucepan for 8 minutes. Remove from the pan and save the grease.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in the bacon grease for 8 minutes over medium high heat. Remove from the pan.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Add in the butter. Whisk in the flour. Turn the heat to low and allow a dark roux to form; about 8 minutes.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Add the bacon and sautéed vegetables back into the roux.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Pour in the chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce and whisk.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Turn the heat up to medium. Add in the shrimp.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Cook for 5 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese to the grits.
    South Carolina, main course, seafood
South Carolina, main course, seafood
Ladle the shrimp gravy over a bowl of grits and serve.