Name: Shrimp and Grits
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup stone-ground grits; 4 cups water or chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; Optional: hot sauce or Cajun butter drizzle

DifficultyBeginner

CategoryFish, Main Courses, Seafood

A Southern classic elevated to gourmet status, this dish combines creamy stone-ground grits with plump, Cajun-seasoned shrimp. Smoky bacon and scallions add crunch and contrast, while a drizzle of spicy butter finishes it off.

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time20 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time55 mins

For the Grits

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups water or chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

2 tbsp unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp

500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Garnish

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 scallions, thinly sliced

Optional: hot sauce or Cajun butter drizzle

Cook the Grits

In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil.
Stir in grits, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in cream, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.

Prepare the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry, season with Cajun spice.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Finish with a splash of lemon juice.

Assemble

Spoon creamy grits into a warm bowl.
Top with sizzling shrimp, bacon crumbles, scallions, and a drizzle of hot sauce or Cajun butter.

Ingredients