Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re bringing a taste of the South to your table with our delicious Southern Style Shrimp and Grits recipe! This classic dish combines succulent shrimp, savory smoked sausage (or uncured turkey bacon for a lighter option), and a creamy bed of cheesy grits, all seasoned to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices. Plus, we’re adding a flavorful sauce to elevate this dish to new heights of deliciousness!
Why You Should Make Shrimp and Grits:
Shrimp and grits is a beloved Southern comfort food that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking up a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests for a brunch gathering. The combination of tender shrimp, flavorful sausage (or turkey bacon), creamy, cheesy grits, and a luscious sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. This dish can also pair well with catfish instead of shrimp. Check out our catfish recipe here https://memassouthernhospitality.com/2024/05/08/hot-lemon-pepper-catfish/
My History:
Growing up, shrimp wasn’t a staple in my household due to my mother’s allergy, but my grandmother always made sure to prepare it for us whenever she had the chance. I remember the excitement of those rare occasions when shrimp made an appearance on our dinner table. It wasn’t until I was an adult, during a visit to Atlanta, that I had my first taste of shrimp and grits together. From that moment on, I was hooked. The flavors, the textures, the comforting warmth of the dish—it all spoke to me in a way that felt both nostalgic and entirely new.
Cooking Process:
Prepare the Grits:
- Boil water in a saucepan and whisk in the grits.
- Simmer until thick, then stir in cream, cheese, and butter.
- Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
Cook the Shrimp, Sausage, and Sauce:
- Cook sausage until crispy, then set aside.
- Sauté bell pepper and onion until soft.
- Add shrimp and spices, cook until pink.
- Return sausage to the pan, pour in chicken broth, and simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon creamy grits into bowls.
- Top with shrimp, sausage, vegetables, and sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and extra seasoning if desired.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the grits and cook the shrimp, sausage, and sauce in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat the grits on the stove and warm the shrimp, sausage, and sauce in a skillet until heated through.
Q: Can I use different types of sausage or bacon? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage or bacon to customize this dish to your liking.
Pro Tips:
- Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken broth as needed.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to explore new flavors, our Southern Style Shrimp and Grits recipe with a flavorful sauce is sure to impress. With its irresistible combination of tender shrimp, savory sausage, creamy cheese grits, and a luscious sauce, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to become a favorite at your table. So, grab your apron and get ready to experience the comforting flavors of the South!
PrintSouthern Style Shrimp and Grits
Savor the flavors of the South with our Southern Shrimp & Grits. Succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and creamy cheese grits come together in a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Perfect for brunch or dinner, it’s a Southern classic that’s sure to please.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Method: saute
- Cuisine: southern
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 ounces beef smoked sausage or uncured turkey bacon, sliced
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 2 cups stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite melting cheese)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or more, as needed, for the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheese, and butter until the cheese is melted and the grits are smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp, Sausage, and Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the cooked sausage back to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the broth to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, creating a flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon the creamy grits into serving bowls. Top with the shrimp, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, if desired.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp and sausage (or bacon) to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Doneness of Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less of the spices listed in the recipe to suit your palate.
- Creamy Grits: Ensure the grits are cooked to a creamy consistency. Stirring occasionally and adding cream, cheese, and butter will help achieve this.
- Sauce Thickness: Control the thickness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of chicken broth. Simmer longer for a thicker sauce or add more broth for a thinner consistency.
- Garnish: Don’t forget to garnish the dish with fresh green onions and additional seasoning for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp & Grits are best enjoyed immediately after preparation while they’re hot and fresh.
