Our version of a Lowcountry classic - creamy grits with cheddar cheese and a smoky sauté of bacon, shrimp and red and green bell peppers.
Shrimp and Grits

A popular dish originating in the Lowcountry of Georgia and South Carolina, shrimp and grits has a distinctive blend of flavors and textures that lend it an almost addictive quality.

The grits are creamy and smooth with a subtle cheddar cheese flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky shrimp, bacon and bell pepper combo served on top.

Serve with a salad and our Oven-Roasted Okra to round out a great meal with a classic Southern flair.

Shrimp and Grits
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Shrimp and Grits
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Shrimp and Grits

Our version of a Lowcountry classic – creamy grits with cheddar cheese and a smoky sauté of bacon, shrimp and red and green bell peppers.
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 strips bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3-1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup grits
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions 

  • Fry the bacon until crisp, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve the bacon fat in a small bowl.
  • Combine the 1/2 cup of the chicken broth, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Next, prepare the grits. Bring the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the grits, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring continually, until the liquid is absorbed and the grits are tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the butter and cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
  • Combine the flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture and shake off the excess.
  • Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
  • Sauté until the shrimp are firm and just starting to turn pink, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to plate and set aside.
  • Note: The shrimp do not need to be cooked through at this time.
  • Add another tablespoon of the bacon fat to the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and celery and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, green pepper, and red pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the peppers are tender, 5 to 6 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken broth mixture to the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Return the shrimp to the pan, stir to coat the shrimp with the broth and cook until the liquid has thickened and the shrimp are cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • To serve, plate individual portions of grits, top with the shrimp mixture and garnish with chopped parsley.
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Lynne Webb and Erika Pitera, creators of MyGourmetConnection in the kitchen, working on a soup recipe for the website.

About Us

We’re Lynne and Erika, a mother-daughter duo passionate about creating recipes that bring flavor and variety to your kitchen in a simple, approachable way.

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