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Southern Shrimp and Grits

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  • Author: lilly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

A comforting southern classic featuring creamy grits and plump, savory shrimp, perfect for gatherings.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb. jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 4 strips of bacon
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (divided)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 3/4 cup grits
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. In a medium-sized pot, combine 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of whole milk, and 3 tablespoons of butter, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Gradually incorporate the grits while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until creamy.
  3. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the grease in the skillet.
  4. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry, then season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Sauté the shrimp in the reserved bacon grease for about 2 minutes on each side until cooked through but tender.
  6. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until melted.
  7. Stir 1 cup of shredded cheese into the grits until melted and creamy.
  8. Spoon the shrimp mixture over the grits and garnish with crispy bacon and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Experiment with different seasonings like cayenne pepper for a kick. Use stone-ground grits for the best texture.