Shrimp and Grits

$- 1 cup stone-ground grits - 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 strips of turkey bacon, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making shrimp and grits, fresh ingredients are key. Stone-ground grits give a nice creamy texture. They also add a rich flavor that pairs well with the shrimp. I love using low-sodium chicken broth for cooking grits. It adds depth without too much salt. For the shrimp, always peel and devein them first. This step makes your dish cleaner and more appealing. The turkey bacon adds a savory crunch. It also gives a nice smoky flavor to the shrimp. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Green onions give a fresh taste and a nice crunch. Garlic is a must. It brings out the flavor of the shrimp and enhances the dish overall. Smoked paprika adds warmth and a slight smokiness. Cayenne pepper gives it a kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Salt and black pepper are essential for balancing the flavors. Finally, sharp cheddar cheese adds creaminess and a rich flavor to the grits. Butter makes everything taste better and adds a silky texture. Fresh parsley on top makes the dish look bright and fresh. To see how all these ingredients come together, check out the Full Recipe. - In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. - Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. - Stir occasionally and cook until creamy, about 20-25 minutes. - Cook 4 strips of chopped turkey bacon until crispy, then remove from the skillet. - In the same skillet, sauté 1 diced red bell pepper and 2 cloves of minced garlic until softened. - Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, salt, and black pepper. - Stir in the cooked turkey bacon and half of 1/2 cup of chopped green onions. - Serve cheesy grits in bowls topped with the shrimp mixture. - Garnish with the remaining green onions and fresh parsley. This recipe is a true delight for flavor lovers. Enjoy! - Use low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor without excess salt. - Stir grits frequently to prevent sticking. To make the best grits, always choose stone-ground grits. They have a richer taste. Cook them slowly for creaminess. I find that low-sodium chicken broth boosts the flavor. It gives depth without making the dish too salty. Stir often while cooking. This keeps them smooth and creamy. - Marinate shrimp with spices for even more flavor. - Adjust cayenne to suit your spice preference. For shrimp that bursts with taste, marinate them first. A blend of spices works wonders. I suggest smoked paprika and cayenne for a little heat. You can adjust the cayenne to match your spice level. The shrimp will absorb these flavors well. - Pair with a side salad or sautéed greens for a complete meal. - Serve in shallow bowls to highlight the presentation. To serve, think about balance. A side salad or sautéed greens adds freshness. It makes for a full meal. I love using shallow bowls for this dish. They show off the layers of cheesy grits and shrimp beautifully. For a touch of color, sprinkle extra green onions and parsley on top. {{image_2}} You can spice up your dish with Cajun style. - Add andouille sausage for a spicy kick. - Use Cajun seasoning instead of smoked paprika. This will give your shrimp and grits a bold flavor. The sausage adds a nice crunch and heat. Cajun seasoning brings out the rich taste of shrimp. You will love how these flavors blend together. For those who crave creaminess, try these tips. - Substitute heavy cream for part of the water or broth in grits. - Mix in different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack. These changes make the grits extra rich and smooth. The cheese melts in beautifully, adding depth. You can customize it to suit your taste. Try different cheeses to find your favorite combo. Want to add some greens? Here’s how. - Incorporate spinach or kale into the shrimp mixture. - Add diced tomatoes for additional flavor and color. This makes the dish healthier and more colorful. The greens add a nice texture and freshness. Tomatoes bring a juicy pop that brightens each bite. You can easily sneak in more veggies while keeping it tasty. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep grits and shrimp separate to maintain texture. This helps keep the grits creamy and the shrimp tender. Reheat grits on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen. This method brings back their creamy texture. Heat the shrimp mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently to warm it without overcooking. Freeze grits in individual portions for convenience. This way, you can enjoy them later without waste. Shrimp is best consumed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container and used within a month for best results. Shrimp and grits comes from the Southern United States. It is a key dish in Lowcountry cuisine. This meal blends the flavors of shrimp with creamy grits. Many people enjoy it for breakfast or dinner. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps them sear nicely. You can try polenta or creamy risotto. Both have similar textures and flavors. They make good alternatives if you want a change. To make this dish healthier, use less butter. You can also switch to turkey bacon. Adding more vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor too. Think about greens or bell peppers. For a detailed preparation method, refer to the Full Recipe for Shrimp & Grits Delight. In this blog post, I shared a simple shrimp and grits recipe. You learned the key ingredients, like stone-ground grits and shrimp. We explored cooking steps, tips for flavor, and variations to try. Remember, you can customize this dish to suit your taste. Experiment with spices, or try different cheeses. Enjoy your meal and impress your friends with this tasty classic!$

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Shrimp & Grits Delight with this easy-to-follow recipe! Loaded with creamy grits, juicy shrimp, and crispy turkey bacon, it's a perfect comfort dish for any occasion. You'll love the combination of spices that elevate this classic southern favorite. Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through to explore this recipe and bring a taste of the South to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 strips of turkey bacon, chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits and reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally, cooking until creamy, about 20-25 minutes.

Once the grits have thickened, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.

In a large skillet, cook the chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Stir in the cooked turkey bacon and half of the green onions, mixing well to combine.

To serve, spoon the cheesy grits onto plates or in shallow bowls, topping them with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with the remaining green onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4