Description
Indulge in this Southern classic: creamy, cheesy grits topped with succulent shrimp, smoky bacon, and a zesty sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1 cup corn grits
- 4 oz. shredded yellow cheddar (about 1 cup)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Shrimp & Sauce:
- 10 oz. thick-cut bacon (sliced)
- 1 lb. large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 4 scallions (thinly sliced), plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits:
- Bring the chicken broth and water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Season with kosher salt, then slowly whisk in the grits.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, whisking frequently to avoid lumps.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 8 minutes.
- Transfer to a cutting board, chop into small pieces, and reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with garlic, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the reserved bacon fat over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until pink and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- Whisk in the vegetable broth and simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces by half.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and toss to coat. Add lemon juice and scallions for a fresh finish.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Divide the grits among serving bowls or plates.
- Top with the shrimp and sauce.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon and additional scallions over the top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp seasoning.
- Use instant grits for a quicker option but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Substitute turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern