Best 7 The Ultimate Charleston Shrimp And Grits Recipes

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**A Southern Classic: Charleston Shrimp and Grits**

In the heart of the Lowcountry, Charleston shrimp and grits reign supreme as a culinary icon. This delectable dish is a harmonious blend of fresh shrimp, creamy grits, and a savory sauce, all coming together to create a symphony of flavors. The succulent shrimp, often sautéed or grilled to perfection, adds a briny sweetness to the dish, while the creamy grits provide a smooth and comforting base. The sauce, typically made with a combination of stock, cream, and spices, brings a rich and flavorful complexity that ties all the elements together. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Charleston shrimp and grits is a versatile dish that showcases the bounty of the sea and the culinary traditions of the South.

**Explore Variations and Recipes:**

1. **Classic Charleston Shrimp and Grits:** Master the art of this beloved dish with our classic recipe. This version features perfectly cooked shrimp, creamy grits, and a flavorful sauce made with chicken stock, heavy cream, and a touch of cayenne pepper.

2. **Smoked Sausage Shrimp and Grits:** Add a smoky and savory twist to your shrimp and grits by incorporating smoked sausage. This hearty variation is perfect for those who love a robust and flavorful meal.

3. **Cheesy Shrimp and Grits:** Indulge in a cheesy delight with this recipe that combines two Southern favorites: shrimp and grits with a gooey cheese sauce. The creamy cheese sauce adds an extra layer of richness and comfort to the dish.

4. **Crab and Shrimp Grits:** Elevate your shrimp and grits with the addition of succulent crab meat. This seafood extravaganza combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and crab in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

5. **Vegan Shrimp and Grits:** Enjoy a plant-based version of this classic dish with our vegan shrimp and grits recipe. Using hearts of palm as a shrimp substitute, this recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience without compromising on taste.

Dig into the rich culinary history of the South and embark on a delectable journey with our collection of Charleston shrimp and grits recipes.

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

OLD CHARLESTON STYLE SHRIMP AND GRITS



Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits image

Great recipe for shrimp and grits.

Provided by berskine

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

3 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup coarsely ground grits
2 cups half-and-half
2 pounds uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 lemon, juiced
1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
5 slices bacon
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring water and 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk grits into the boiling water, and then whisk in half-and-half. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grits are thickened and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Sprinkle shrimp with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Add lemon juice, toss to combine, and set aside to marinate.
  • Place sausage slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet.
  • Add bacon to the same skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until evenly browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, then chop or crumble when cool enough to handle. Leave bacon drippings in the skillet.
  • Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the bacon drippings; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir cooked sausage and marinated shrimp into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Turn off the heat and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, stirring to create a smooth roux. Turn heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is golden brown in color, 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully, mixture burns easily.
  • Pour the roux over the sausage, shrimp, and vegetables. Place the skillet over medium heat, add chicken broth, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine. Cook until sauce thickens up and shrimp turn opaque and bright pink, about 8 minutes.
  • Just before serving, mix sharp Cheddar cheese into grits until melted and grits are creamy and light yellow. Serve shrimp mixture over cheese grits.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.7 calories, Carbohydrate 16.2 g, Cholesterol 269.8 mg, Fat 43.7 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 38.6 g, SaturatedFat 19.5 g, Sodium 1634.8 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

ULTIMATE CHARLESTON SHRIMP AND GRITS



Ultimate Charleston Shrimp and Grits image

pinched from Garden & Gun

Provided by Lisa Johnson

Categories     Other Side Dishes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 18

SHRIMP
1 1/4 lb headless large (21 to 25 count) shell-on shrimp
1 bay leaf
kosher salt
3/4 tsp sugar
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 lb vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and quartered
1 tsp red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
4 oz slab bacon, cut into large dice
1 lemon, halved
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 clove garlic, minced
freshly ground black pepper
CHARLESTON HOMINY
2 c whole milk
1 c stone-ground coarse grits
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Shrimp
  • 2. Peel and devein the shrimp, reserving the shrimp in a bowl and the shells in a small saucepan. Add 2 cups of water, the bay leaf, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of the sugar, and the cayenne to the saucepan with the shells. With a spoon, tamp the shells down beneath the surface of the water, cover, and bring to a simmer over high heat. Uncover, turn the heat to medium low, and let the shrimp stock simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  • 3. Meanwhile, with a sharp knife, slice the shrimp in half lengthwise.
  • 4. Put the tomatoes in a blender or food processor and add the vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and the remaining ½ teaspoon sugar. Process to a smooth purée, then strain through a fine sieve, pressing the skin and seeds to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the skin and seeds. You should have 1½ cups of tomato purée.
  • 5. Scatter the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is alluringly browned and has rendered its fat, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a small paper-towel-lined plate and cook the shrimp in the bacon fat in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan, and stirring occasionally, just until they've curled into corkscrews and turned pink, about 2 minutes; reserve on a plate. Squeeze half the lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle with 2 pinches of salt.
  • 6. Strain the shrimp stock into the sauté pan, discarding the solids, and stir with a wooden spoon to pick up the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. When the stock simmers, spoon off 2 tablespoons and then whisk them into the flour with a fork in a small bowl to make a paste. Add the tomato purée and the garlic to the pan, stir to combine, and then whisk the flour paste into the sauce. Cook until the mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon
  • 7. Cut the heat, and fold the shrimp in just to warm through. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar. Cut the remaining lemon half into 4 wedges. Serve the shrimp over hot Charleston Hominy, and garnish with the reserved bacon and the lemon wedges.
  • 8. Charleston Hominy
  • 9. Pour the milk and 2 cups of water into a 2-quart saucepan, cover, and turn the heat to medium high. When the liquid simmers, add the grits, butter, and ½ teaspoon salt, and reduce the heat to medium. Stir every couple of minutes until the grits have become fragrant, and are the consistency of thick soup, about 8 minutes.
  • 10. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often and ever more frequently, for about 20 minutes, by which time the bubbles will emerge infrequently as the grits have stiffened and fall lazily from the end of a spoon. Add ½ teaspoon black pepper and cook for about 10 minutes more, stirring constantly to prevent the thickened grits from scorching on the bottom of the pan (appoint someone to the stirring task if you have to step away-a scorched pot of grits is bitter and a total loss). If your grits thicken too quickly, or if they are too gritty for your taste, add water by the half cup, stirring to incorporate, and continue cooking until tender.
  • 11. When the grits are stiff and stick well to the spoon, turn off the heat and stir. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

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.

SHRIMP AND GRITS



Shrimp and Grits image

Once a popular morning meal throughout the South, shrimp and grits is no longer restricted to breakfast tables below the Mason-Dixon line. Variations of the dish now appear on breakfast, lunch and dinner menus across the country from Maine to Oregon. This recipe is an adaptation of one that Julia Reed discovered at Pearl's Café, a restaurant in landlocked Sewanee, Tenn., that evokes shrimp cardinale, a dish found in New Orleans. It is "a superb version, a highly seasoned, creamy concoction with chunks of tomatoes" that is served over a pile of grits enriched with plenty of butter, salt and Cheddar.

Provided by Julia Reed

Categories     breakfast, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

3/4 cup grits
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup diced ripe tomatoes with a little of their juice (chopped canned tomatoes are preferable to less-than-perfect fresh tomatoes)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon flour
1 pound medium to large raw shrimp, shelled (reserve shells for stock)
1/2 to 1 cup shrimp stock (see note)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes Tabasco
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • For the grits, bring 3 1/2 cups water to a boil and stir in the grits. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the grits are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, add the salt, cheese and butter and stir until melted. Keep warm.
  • For the shrimp, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, pepper and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and juice and thyme; bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir well. Add the shrimp and stir constantly until they begin to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup stock and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Add the tomato paste and stir until blended. Add the cream, Worcestershire and Tabasco and more stock if needed to make a spoonable sauce that generously coats the shrimp. Heat thoroughly, being careful not to let it come to a boil. Taste for salt.
  • Place a portion of grits in the center of each plate and spoon shrimp over or around it. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 685, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 44 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 39 grams, SaturatedFat 26 grams, Sodium 890 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 1 gram

ULTIMATE SHRIMP AND GRITS



Ultimate Shrimp and Grits image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

3 cups milk
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup stone-ground white cornmeal
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium white onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound andouille or spicy Italian spicy sausage, cut in chunks
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
2 to 3 bay leaves
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
Pinch cayenne pepper, adjust to personal preference
1/2 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • For the grits:
  • Place a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the milk and cream. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal. When the grits begin to bubble, turn the heat down to medium low and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Allow to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and thick. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, thin it out with a little extra cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  • For the shrimp:
  • Place a deep skillet over medium heat and coat with the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic; saute for 2 minutes to soften. Add the sausage and cook, stirring, until there is a fair amount of fat in the pan and the sausage is brown. Sprinkle in the flour and stir with a wooden spoon to create a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and continue to stir to avoid lumps. Toss in the bay leaves. When the liquid comes to a simmer, add the shrimp. Poach the shrimp in the stock for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are firm and pink and the gravy is smooth and thick. Add the cayenne pepper, Tabasco and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper; stir in the parsley and green onion. Spoon the grits into a serving bowl. Add the shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.

SPICY SHRIMP AND ANDOUILLE OVER CHARLESTON-STYLE GRITS



Spicy Shrimp and Andouille Over Charleston-Style Grits image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 116

2 pounds medium shimp, peeled and deveined
Charleston-Style Grits, recipe follows
Essence, recipe follows
Salt
8 ounces andouille sausage
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups chicken broth, or canned, low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons minced parsley
2 pounds medium shimp, peeled and deveined
Charleston-Style Grits, recipe follows
Essence, recipe follows
Salt
8 ounces andouille sausage
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups chicken broth, or canned, low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons minced parsley
2 pounds medium shimp, peeled and deveined
Charleston-Style Grits, recipe follows
Essence, recipe follows
Salt
8 ounces andouille sausage
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups chicken broth, or canned, low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons minced parsley
2 pounds medium shimp, peeled and deveined
Charleston-Style Grits, recipe follows
Essence, recipe follows
Salt
8 ounces andouille sausage
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups chicken broth, or canned, low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons minced parsley
6 cups water
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups quick cooking or old-fashioned grits (not instant!)
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 tablespoons butter
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 cups water
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups quick cooking or old-fashioned grits (not instant!)
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 tablespoons butter
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 cups water
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups quick cooking or old-fashioned grits (not instant!)
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 tablespoons butter
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 cups water
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups quick cooking or old-fashioned grits (not instant!)
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 tablespoons butter
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons garlic powder

Steps:

  • Season the shrimp with Essence and salt. Heat a large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat and sear the andouille, cooking for about 3 minutes. Remove the andouille to a plate, and add the shrimp to the pan, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan, and heat the oil. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons Essence to the pan, stirring well, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the chicken broth to the pan and cook until reduced slightly, 5 minutes.
  • Stir the cream, green onions and parsley into the sauce and return the andouille and shrimp to the pan. Return sauce to a simmer and continue to cook until reduced slightly. Stir well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over Charleston-Style Grits.
  • Season the shrimp with Essence and salt. Heat a large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat and sear the andouille, cooking for about 3 minutes. Remove the andouille to a plate, and add the shrimp to the pan, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan, and heat the oil. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons Essence to the pan, stirring well, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the chicken broth to the pan and cook until reduced slightly, 5 minutes.
  • Stir the cream, green onions and parsley into the sauce and return the andouille and shrimp to the pan. Return sauce to a simmer and continue to cook until reduced slightly. Stir well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over Charleston-Style Grits.
  • Season the shrimp with Essence and salt. Heat a large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat and sear the andouille, cooking for about 3 minutes. Remove the andouille to a plate, and add the shrimp to the pan, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan, and heat the oil. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons Essence to the pan, stirring well, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the chicken broth to the pan and cook until reduced slightly, 5 minutes.
  • Stir the cream, green onions and parsley into the sauce and return the andouille and shrimp to the pan. Return sauce to a simmer and continue to cook until reduced slightly. Stir well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over Charleston-Style Grits.
  • Season the shrimp with Essence and salt. Heat a large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat and sear the andouille, cooking for about 3 minutes. Remove the andouille to a plate, and add the shrimp to the pan, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan, and heat the oil. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons Essence to the pan, stirring well, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the chicken broth to the pan and cook until reduced slightly, 5 minutes.
  • Stir the cream, green onions and parsley into the sauce and return the andouille and shrimp to the pan. Return sauce to a simmer and continue to cook until reduced slightly. Stir well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over Charleston-Style Grits.
  • In a large, heavy sauce pan bring the water to a boil. Add a generous teaspoon of salt and the grits and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. When grits thicken add milk, cream and butter and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover sauce pan and cook for 45 minutes to one hour, until grits are tender, smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Keep covered and warm until ready to serve.
  • In a large, heavy sauce pan bring the water to a boil. Add a generous teaspoon of salt and the grits and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. When grits thicken add milk, cream and butter and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover sauce pan and cook for 45 minutes to one hour, until grits are tender, smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Keep covered and warm until ready to serve.
  • In a large, heavy sauce pan bring the water to a boil. Add a generous teaspoon of salt and the grits and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. When grits thicken add milk, cream and butter and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover sauce pan and cook for 45 minutes to one hour, until grits are tender, smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Keep covered and warm until ready to serve.
  • In a large, heavy sauce pan bring the water to a boil. Add a generous teaspoon of salt and the grits and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. When grits thicken add milk, cream and butter and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover sauce pan and cook for 45 minutes to one hour, until grits are tender, smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Keep covered and warm until ready to serve.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

OLD CHARLESTON STYLE SHRIMP AND GRITS



Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits image

Let me start by saying that I love shrimp and grits, any style for that matter! But this Old Charleston style version is one of my favorites. Tender shrimp and andouille sausage with red, green, and yellow bell peppers are served over cheese-flavored grits in this traditional low-country favorite. What's not to love?!

Provided by InspirationsFC

Categories     Pork

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 Bowls, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup coarsely ground grits
3 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups half-and-half
2 lbs uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 lemon, juice of
1 lb andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
5 slices bacon
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring water, grits, and salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan with a lid. Stir in half-and-half and simmer until grits are thickened and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Sprinkle shrimp with salt and cayenne pepper; drizzle with lemon juice. Set aside in a bowl.
  • Place andouille sausage slices in a large skillet over medium heat; fry sausage until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
  • Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Retain bacon drippings in skillet. Transfer bacon slices to paper towels, let cool, and crumble.
  • Cook and stir green, red, and yellow bell peppers, onion, and garlic in the bacon drippings until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir shrimp and cooked vegetables into the andouille sausage and mix to combine.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour to make a smooth paste. Turn heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is medium brown in color, 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully, mixture burns easily.
  • Pour the butter-flour mixture into the skillet with andouille sausage, shrimp, and vegetables. Place the skillet over medium heat and pour in chicken broth, bacon and Worcestershire sauce, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and the shrimp become opaque and bright pink, about 8 minutes.
  • Just before serving, mix sharp Cheddar cheese into grits until melted and grits are creamy and light yellow. Serve shrimp mixture over cheese grits.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Season the shrimp and grits generously with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the shrimp until they are just opaque and pink.
  • Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the creamiest grits.
  • Serve the shrimp and grits immediately, while they are hot and cheesy.

Conclusion:

Charleston shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy grits, flavorful shrimp, and savory sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a delicious and comforting meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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