Description
Ready in under 30 minutes, this *Irresistible Shrimp and Grits* dish is the definition of comfort food with a Southern soul. Tender, Cajun-seasoned shrimp are nestled atop a bed of creamy, cheesy grits, with smoky bacon crumbles and a garlic kick. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast inspiration, an easy dinner recipe, or a hearty brunch idea, this is the dish that checks every box. It’s a gluten-free, flavorful, one-skillet meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth or water
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 slices bacon, diced
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
1. Bring chicken broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and stir frequently until thickened (about 15–20 minutes). Stir in butter, cheddar cheese, and half the minced garlic. Keep warm.
2. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to a plate and set aside. Reserve some bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Sauté in the reserved bacon fat for 1–2 minutes per side, or until opaque and pink. Add the remaining garlic during the last minute of cooking.
4. To serve, spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the shrimp.
Use quick grits if you’re short on time—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a smoky twist, substitute bacon with diced andouille sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 195mg