Seafood
Shrimp and Grits
Stone-ground creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp in a savory pan sauce.
- Prep Time
- 15 minutes
- Cook Time
- 30 minutes
- Total Time
- 45 minutes
- Servings
- 4
A Lowcountry classic that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The grits deserve as much attention as the shrimp — cook them slowly with plenty of dairy.
The pan sauce comes together in the time it takes the shrimp to cook.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant quality at home
- Ready in 45 minutes
- Brunch or dinner
- Creamy stone-ground grits
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Cajun seasoning to taste
Substitutions: Andouille can replace bacon for a smokier sauce.
How to Make It
- 1
Cook the grits
Simmer the grits in broth and milk, stirring often, 25 minutes, then stir in the cheese.
- 2
Crisp the bacon
Cook the bacon until crisp and reserve the drippings.
- 3
Cook the shrimp
Sear the seasoned shrimp with garlic in the drippings, 2 minutes per side.
- 4
Finish
Add lemon juice, spoon the shrimp over the grits, and top with bacon.
Recipe Tips
- Stone-ground grits need time — don't rush them.
- Pull the shrimp the moment they curl.
What to Serve With It
- Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits — Tall, flaky biscuits with buttery layers that pull apart by hand.
- Southern Green Beans — Green beans slow-simmered with potatoes and smoked bacon until meltingly tender.
- Southern Sweet Tea — Smooth, never-bitter sweet tea brewed the traditional Southern way.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator
- Up to 2 days, stored separately.
- Freezing
- Not recommended.
- Reheating
- Loosen grits with milk over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant grits?
You can, but stone-ground grits give a far better texture.
Recipe Card
Shrimp and Grits
Stone-ground creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp in a savory pan sauce.
- Prep
- 15 minutes
- Cook
- 30 minutes
- Total
- 45 minutes
- Servings
- 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Cajun seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Simmer the grits in broth and milk, stirring often, 25 minutes, then stir in the cheese.
- Cook the bacon until crisp and reserve the drippings.
- Sear the seasoned shrimp with garlic in the drippings, 2 minutes per side.
- Add lemon juice, spoon the shrimp over the grits, and top with bacon.
Notes
Season the shrimp right before cooking.
You Might Also Love
Breakfast
Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
Tall, flaky biscuits with buttery layers that pull apart by hand.
Southern Sides
Southern Green Beans
Green beans slow-simmered with potatoes and smoked bacon until meltingly tender.
Drinks
Southern Sweet Tea
Smooth, never-bitter sweet tea brewed the traditional Southern way.