Description

Irresistible Shrimp And Grits is a creamy Southern comfort food dinner with tender Cajun shrimp, cheesy grits, smoky bacon, garlic butter, lemon, and fresh green onions. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, cozy brunch, seafood dinner, family meals, and comforting food ideas when you want something rich, flavorful, and satisfying without making the process complicated.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup stone-ground grits or quick grits

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups whole milk

3 tablespoons butter, divided

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 slices bacon, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 green onions, sliced

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

Instructions

1. Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.

2. Bring chicken broth and milk to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan, then slowly whisk in the grits.

3. Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits, stirring often, until thick and tender.

4. Stir 2 tablespoons butter and shredded cheddar cheese into the hot grits until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and black pepper.

5. Pat the shrimp dry, then toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet with the bacon drippings and heat over medium-high heat.

7. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.

8. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in fresh lemon juice.

9. Spoon the cheesy grits into bowls, top with shrimp, drizzle with the skillet sauce, and finish with crisp bacon and sliced green onions.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, stir the grits often and add a splash of warm milk or broth if they become too thick.

Do not overcook the shrimp; remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Shred the cheddar cheese yourself for smoother melting and better flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 485
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1080mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 245mg

Keywords: Irresistible Shrimp And Grits, shrimp and grits, Cajun shrimp, cheesy grits, easy dinner recipe, seafood dinner, Southern comfort food