Description
Classic Southern dish featuring creamy, cheesy yellow grits topped with savory, perfectly cooked wild shrimp and crispy bacon, enhanced with scallions, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of Tabasco for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Grits
- 1 cup yellow grits
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or asiago)
For the Shrimp
- 4 ounces high-quality bacon (sliced or chopped into small pieces, about 5-6 strips)
- 1 lb 16/20 size wild shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 scallions (sliced)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Grits: Combine the grits, water, and kosher salt in a rice cooker and run a normal white rice cycle. Alternatively, bring the water to a boil in a nonstick saucepan, add the grits and salt, cover, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until water is absorbed. Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cook the Bacon: Place bacon pieces in a cold skillet and set heat to medium. Render the fat and cook until the bacon is crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease and brown bits in the skillet.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet with bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 60 seconds. Flip the shrimp over, season again, then add sliced scallions, minced garlic, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce (if using), and the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until shrimp are just cooked through, tossing gently to combine flavors. Avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the flavorful shrimp mixture. Enjoy immediately, savoring the contrasting textures and harmonizing flavors.
Notes
- Use high-quality wild shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of Tabasco according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Careful not to overcook shrimp to maintain tenderness.
- Grits can be cooked in a rice cooker or on the stovetop; cooking times may vary slightly depending on equipment.
- Substitute Asiago cheese for cheddar for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
