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USA · Food

Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits

30 min
580 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 3, 2026

Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits🇺🇸USDAgov · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

3 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countries

A beloved Lowcountry staple, Shrimp and Grits marries creamy, stone-ground grits with succulent, sautéed shrimp, often bathed in a rich, savory sauce featuring bacon or sausage, bell peppers, and onions. This comforting dish is a testament to Southern hospitality and flavor.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits from another cuisine is Grzyby w śmietanie (Poland): the two share 50% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 720 ml chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in 150 g quick-cooking grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy. Stir in 60 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

  • 2

    For the shrimp: In a large skillet, cook 4 slices bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, reserving 1 tbsp grease in the skillet. Crumble bacon and set aside.

  • 3

    Add 1 diced small onion, 1/2 diced green bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

  • 4

    Stir in 500 g peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until shrimp are pink and opaque.

  • 5

    Pour in 120 ml chicken broth and 60 ml heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

  • 6

    Serve grits hot in shallow bowls, topped generously with the shrimp and sauce. Garnish with crumbled bacon and extra parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shrimp and grits?

Shrimp and grits is a savory dish originating from the Southern United States. It consists of sautéed shrimp served over a bed of creamy, cooked corn grits, seasoned with garlic, onions, and broth. It is traditionally consumed as a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Which type of pork is best suited for the Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits recipe?

For an authentic depth of flavor in Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits, use thick-cut bacon or a smoked pork product like tasso ham. These choices render flavorful fat and provide a smoky, savory backbone to the dish.

What kind of grits should I use and how do I ensure they are cooked to the perfect creamy consistency?

Use quick-cooking grits, as this recipe does. Cook them over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until they are thick and creamy, typically 15-20 minutes.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp in Savory Southern Shrimp and Grits, and what does perfect doneness look like?

Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes in total. They are perfectly done when they turn opaque pink and curl into a 'C' shape; overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.

What's the best cheese and cream to use for the grits component, and how do they impact the overall flavor?

Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese combined with heavy cream or half-and-half will yield rich, indulgent grits. These ingredients melt into a velvety texture and add a critical tangy, savory counterpoint to the shrimp.

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