Best 6 Southern Shrimp Grits Recipes

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Shrimp and grits, an iconic dish of the Southern United States, is a delectable combination of succulent shrimp, creamy grits, and flavorful seasonings. This dish is a staple of many breakfast, brunch, and dinner tables, offering a hearty and comforting meal. Our collection of Southern shrimp and grits recipes provides a diverse range of options, ensuring that every taste preference is satisfied. From classic recipes to more innovative takes on this beloved dish, we have something for everyone.

Our traditional Southern shrimp and grits recipe is a timeless classic, featuring plump shrimp sautéed in butter and then simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The grits are cooked to perfection, offering a smooth and velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce and tender shrimp. For those who prefer a spicier kick, our Cajun shrimp and grits recipe incorporates bold Cajun seasonings, adding a vibrant and flavorful twist to the dish. The shrimp is coated in a flavorful blend of spices and then sautéed until perfectly cooked, while the grits are simmered in a creamy sauce infused with Cajun flavors.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, our low-country shrimp and grits recipe is a delightful option. Using shrimp stock instead of heavy cream, this recipe creates a lighter and more flavorful sauce without compromising on taste. The shrimp is cooked in a flavorful broth made from shrimp shells, vegetables, and herbs, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish that is both healthy and satisfying.

Finally, our shrimp and grits casserole recipe is a showstopping dish perfect for special occasions or potlucks. This recipe combines layers of creamy grits, succulent shrimp, and a crispy topping, creating a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. The casserole is baked until golden brown, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy crust and a creamy, flavorful filling.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHERN SHRIMP AND GRITS



Southern Shrimp and Grits image

A southern specialty, sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this dish tastes great for brunch or dinner, and anytime company's coming. It's down-home comfort food at its finest. -Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups 2% milk
1/3 cup butter, cubed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
SHRIMP:
8 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun or blackened seasoning
4 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring the broth, milk, butter, salt and pepper to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheese until melted. Set aside and keep warm., In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 4 teaspoons drippings. Saute the shrimp, garlic and seasoning in drippings until shrimp turn pink. Serve with grits and sprinkle with onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 674 calories, Fat 42g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 241mg cholesterol, Sodium 1845mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 41g protein.

SOUTHERN SHRIMP AND GRITS



Southern Shrimp and Grits image

Great Southern shrimp and grits recipe. I cook this for my family of 25 every Christmas when I go to Alabama. They can't get enough. Learned it from my best friend's mother growing up. Great soul food!

Provided by medicineman843

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork     Sausage

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups milk
5 ½ cups water, divided
1 ½ cups stone-ground grits
½ cup butter
1 pound thick-cut bacon
½ (13 ounce) package kielbasa sausage, cut into small pieces
1 medium sweet onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, finely diced
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp - peeled, deveined, and halved
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, or to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
1 drop ketchup, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring milk and 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add grits, reduce heat to medium-low, and stir constantly to make sure they don't burn. Add butter and cover. Let simmer, stirring occasionally so they don't burn, until water is absorbed and grits have thickened, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, place bacon in a large pot and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  • Heat bacon fat in the same pan over medium-high heat. Cook kielbasa in the hot fat until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer kielbasa to the plate with bacon. Add onion to the pan and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Season shrimp with Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper; coat with flour and add to the pan. Cook until lightly pink, 3 to 4 minutes; the flour will absorb the fat to make a gravy. Add remaining water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Add Worcestershire and ketchup and mix; it should give the gravy a darker color.
  • Reduce heat and add bacon and kielbasa to heat through, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with grits.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561.8 calories, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 163.6 mg, Fat 29.8 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 27.7 g, SaturatedFat 14.9 g, Sodium 938.9 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

CREAMY SOUTHERN SHRIMP AND CHEESE GRITS



Creamy Southern Shrimp and Cheese Grits image

I came up with this recipe when I couldn't find anything else that would satisfy my cravings for a gourmet shrimp and grits without spending a ton of money at restaurants. This is simple and delicious, and is made with things we mostly all have in our homes. Use chicken stock in grits, if you prefer.

Provided by Bella V.

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 ½ cups water
1 cup quick-cooking grits
3 ounces farmers cheese
2 ounces goat cheese
1 slice American cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 large tomato, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon bacon drippings, or to taste
1 pound fresh shrimp - peeled, deveined, and tails removed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup half-and-half, or more to taste
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 green onion (green tops only), sliced

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan and slowly whisk in grits; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened and tender, 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir farmers cheese, goat cheese, and American cheese into grits until cheese has melted. Set grits aside and keep warm.
  • Melt butter with vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir tomato, 2 green onions, and garlic in the hot skillet until the vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in bacon drippings until combined. Cook and stir shrimp with vegetables until bright pink, about 5 minutes; season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  • Mix grits into shrimp mixture and stir in half-and-half until smooth. Simmer the mixture to blend flavors, about 5 minutes, and add sherry. Simmer 3 more minutes before adjusting salt and black pepper. Garnish with sliced green tops of 1 green onion before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 254.9 calories, Carbohydrate 6.7 g, Cholesterol 154.1 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 19.6 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 400.7 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

SHRIMP AND GRITS -- SOUTHERN STYLE



Shrimp and Grits -- Southern Style image

From the St. Pete Times. Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook because it goes very fast.

Provided by Little Suzy Homemak

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons hot sauce (Tabasco)
2 lbs raw shrimp, peeled
3 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup onion, diced
1/4 cup green pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup green onion, sliced and divided
5 cups water
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking grits
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Combine lemon juice, hot sauce and raw shrimp. Set aside.
  • Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. (While bacon is cooking bring 5 cups water to a boil in a separate saucepan for grits.) To the skillet add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to dripping and bacon pieces; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in shrimp mixture, broth and 1/4 cup green onions. Cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are done, stirring frequently.
  • While shrimp are cooking, add quick cooking grits to boiling water, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, simmer, covered for 5 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Stir in butter, salt and 3/4 cup of the cheese.
  • To serve, pour grits in shallow bowl. Heap shrimp on top of your serving of grits with remaining cheese and green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 472.8, Fat 16.5, SaturatedFat 7.5, Cholesterol 263, Sodium 948.9, Carbohydrate 37.6, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 2.1, Protein 41.2

SOUTHERN SHRIMP & GRITS



Southern Shrimp & Grits image

"This is just an old Southern stick-to-your-ribs dinner combining fresh shrimp, a medley of peppers, onion and creamy cheese grits. It's great served with corn bread and sliced tomatoes." -Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup quick-cooking grits
1 medium onion, sliced
1 package (14 ounces) frozen pepper strips, thawed
4 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 5-7 minutes or until thickened. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion and pepper strips in oil until crisp-tender. Add the shrimp, parsley and lemon juice; saute 3-4 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink. , Stir cheese and sour cream into grits; serve with shrimp mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448 calories, Fat 19g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 146mg cholesterol, Sodium 899mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

SOUTHERN SHRIMP & GRITS RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Southern Shrimp & Grits Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by LRay

Number Of Ingredients 13

GRITS:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
1/4 cup sharp white cheddar or Manchego cheese, grated
SHRIMP:
1-pound wild-caught or sustainably raised shrimp, 16 to 30 count in size, shelled and de-veined
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
juice of 1/2 lemon

Steps:

  • To make grits, combine milk, water, butter, and salt in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a roaring boil and slowly whisk in the grits. Decrease the heat to medium low. Continue whisking until no lumps remain, about 12 minutes. Decrease the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the grits simmer while preparing shrimp. To prepare shrimp, heat a medium pan over medium-high heat.Toss shrimp with oil in a small bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to hot pan and cook, stirring, until just pink throughout, 2 to 4 minutes, depending on size of shrimp. Turn off heat and squeeze lemon over the top to release all the good bits from the pan to make a light, flavorful sauce. To serve, remove grits from heat and stir in grated cheese. Divide among 4 shallow bowls and top with shrimp and pan sauce. Serve hot.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, large shrimp. Medium or small shrimp will work, but they won't be as flavorful or juicy. If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp. Shrimp should be cooked until they are pink and opaque, but not rubbery. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and chewy.
  • Use good-quality grits. Stone-ground grits have a more robust flavor and texture than instant grits. If you're using instant grits, cook them according to the package directions.
  • Season the grits well. Grits can be bland, so don't be afraid to season them generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. You can also add herbs, cheese, or vegetables to the grits for extra flavor.
  • Use a flavorful broth. The broth you use to cook the grits will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Use a chicken, vegetable, or seafood broth that you enjoy the taste of.
  • Don't skimp on the butter. Butter makes everything better, and it's especially delicious in shrimp and grits. Use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the dish.
  • Serve shrimp and grits immediately. Shrimp and grits are best served hot and fresh. If you need to make the dish ahead of time, you can cook the shrimp and grits separately and then reheat them just before serving.

Conclusion:

Shrimp and grits is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give shrimp and grits a try!

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