When it comes to quick and easy Southern dishes, one recipe comes to mind. This traditional shrimp and grits recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is packed with savory shrimp, creamy grits, and smoky bacon. This is one comfort food classic that everyone will love.
Make it tonight or save it for a busy weeknight when you need a fulfilling meal in a flash!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients like shrimp, grits, garlic, and bell peppers, the dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Additionally, the combination of the savory shrimp with the creamy grits makes a flavorful and fulfilling meal that only gets more flavorful as it allows you plenty of opportunity to customize your shrimp and grits to your liking. Add vegetables like tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition, or substitute the shrimp with scallops, chicken, or tofu to suit your personal tastes.
Ingredients
Water:
While this recipe uses water to make a fairly simple batch of grits, you can also use chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Corn Grits:
Corn grits are coarsely ground corn, made from dried corn kernels. They are a staple in Southern cuisine, known for their creamy texture when cooked. For the best texture and flavor in your shrimp and grits recipe, use stone-ground grits. These retain more of the corn’s natural flavor and have a rich, creamy texture. Avoid instant grits, as they can be bland and mushy. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using polenta or cornmeal, though they may have a slightly different texture.
You could also use quinoa or rice for a different twist, but they won’t have the same creamy consistency. Additionally, you can change up the flavors of your shrimp and grits by incorporating more flavors into your grits. Additions like cheddar or Parmesan cheese, onion powder, chives, or parsley, or even mixing in some butter or cream can be a great way to tailor this dish to your personal taste preferences.
Bacon:
Bacon is often added to a traditional shrimp and grits recipe for its rich, smoky flavor. To make it a little healthier you can substitute the bacon for some turkey bacon, lean ham, or peameal bacon. Additionally, smoked tempeh, smoked paprika, or a few drops of liquid smoke will help you achieve the same flavor without the meat.
Bell Pepper:
Green bell peppers add a fresh flavor and satisfying crunch to your homemade shrimp and grits. Alternatively, red, orange, or yellow can also be added for their sweetness and pop of color. Cherry tomatoes and zucchini also make great alternatives to bell peppers, while poblano and Anaheim peppers can provide a slightly spicier option.
Garlic and Scallions:
Garlic and scallions are added to the best shrimp and grits recipes for their aromatic flavors. Garlic provides a rich, savory flavor, while the scallions add sweetness and crunch. Other aromatics, such as leeks, shallots, onions, celery, and carrots can also be added to your homemade shrimp and grits.
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes add a touch of acidity, sweetness, and juiciness to the dish, balancing the rich and creamy elements. Fresh tomatoes offer a brighter, more vibrant flavor, while canned tomatoes offer a convenient alternative, especially when tomatoes are out of season. Roma, plum, cherry, grape, and heirloom tomatoes are all excellent choices. Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, tomatillos, and squash are all great alternatives to use if you don't enjoy tomatoes.
Seasonings:
With so many bold flavors already present in this dish, this shrimp and grits recipe keeps the seasonings simple to avoid overpowering it. Salt, pepper, and paprika enhance the various tastes happening in the dish while paprika adds a bit of heat to the mix. However, you can feel free to experiment with other seasonings like parsley, rosemary, thyme, basil, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Shrimp:
When making shrimp and grits, both fresh and frozen shrimp can work well, though fresh shrimp offer the best flavor and texture. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp are a great alternative as they are usually flash-frozen to preserve their quality. When selecting shrimp, choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best results, and look for those that are deveined and peeled to save time.
To prepare the shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed if using frozen, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. If you prefer, you can consider alternatives such as scallops, which provide a similar texture and sweetness, or chicken breast for a different protein option. For a vegan version, try using firm tofu or tempeh.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits
Step One:
Bring a pot of water to boil over medium-high heat. Add salt and corn grits. Cook, stirring continuously, until the grits become thick and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step Two:
Heat a large pan over medium heat.
Step Three:
Add chopped bacon to the hot pan and cook until crisp. Remove the cooked bacon from the hot pan and set aside.
Step Four:
Add the bell pepper, scallions, garlic, and tomato to the hot pan with the bacon fat and stir to incorporate.
Step Five:
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until veggies are softened.
Step Six:
Stir in the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink.
Step Seven:
Mix the bacon back into the pan and remove from heat.
Step Eight:
Serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy grits, and enjoy!
Tips
- Serve immediately after cooking for the freshest flavor and best texture.
- You can add Parmesan cheese to the grits right before serving.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
What to Serve With Shrimp and Grits
This authentic shrimp and grits dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, consider serving a fresh cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette or sautéed greens like spinach, collard greens, or kale.
Crusty bread or cornbread complements the creamy grits, while a side of roasted vegetables adds a healthy touch.
FAQs
Can I make vegan shrimp and grits?
You can very easily make vegan shrimp and grits by swapping the shrimp for your favorite meatless protein. Beans, tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes all make excellent alternatives. You can also use plant-based bacon or omit the bacon completely and add a splash of tamari to boost the savory flavors.
How do I thin out my grits if they've become too thick?
You can simply add more water during the cooking process or at any time when you notice your grits getting too thick.
What's the best way to store leftover shrimp and grits?
You can store leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, separate the shrimp and grits into different containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp is often a quick and easy protein to whip up in a pinch that can be made and served in a variety of ways, much like this traditional shrimp and grits recipe. For more dinnertime shrimspiration, check out this collection of some of our favorite shrimp recipes.
Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup corn grits
- 4 ounces bacon
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- ½ cup scallions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound shrimp cleaned and deveined
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil over medium-high heat. Add salt and corn grits. Cook, stirring continuously, until the grits become thick and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped bacon to the hot pan and cook until crisp. Remove the cooked bacon from the hot pan and set aside.
- Add the bell pepper, scallions, garlic, and tomato to the hot pan with the bacon fat and stir to incorporate.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until veggies are softened.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink.
- Mix the bacon back into the pan and remove from heat.
- Serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy grits, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Serve your creamy shrimp and grits with bacon immediately after cooking for the freshest flavor and best texture.
- You can add Parmesan cheese to the grits right before serving.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.