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Shrimp and Grits

I don’t make a lot of southern food, and have not had much experience with grits. However, I have heard a lot about shrimp and grits. The people who talk about it talk as if they are describing the best meal they ever had. Finally, after an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to give it a try. I figured that you can’t go wrong with cheesy grits, topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce. I did also take some liberties here and there and added some spicy Cajun seasoning to the mix and with one bite realized what all of the hub-bub was about.

Living in the great northwest, I found it a little difficult to find stone ground grits. In my grocery store on the very top shelf in the back they had three boxes of instant grits and 2 boxes of quick grits. I had heard bad things about instant so I went with the quick variety. I know many people will scoff at that idea, in fact when I got to the check stand the checker said to me “I LOVE grits, but I have NEVER bought quick grits.” I explained that it was the only option other than instant and she offered a tip to add less liquid then the box and cook them a little longer then suggested. I used her advice and they turned out creamy and delicious.

I also use shrimp broth in this dish and chose to make my own. I have included that recipe for you but if you don’t want to make your own you can substitute canned clam juice, although it can be a bit salty and not as flavorful.

Shrimp and grits in white bowl.

Shrimp and Grits

Cheesy grits topped with shrimp tossed in a cajun cream sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup quick cook grits
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese cut into cubes (about 1 cup)
  • 1 pound 51-60 count prawns peeled and deveined (If making your own shrimp broth reserve the shells)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 4 slices bacon cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1/2 onion minced
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups shrimp broth recipe below
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 2 cups of water
  • salt
  • few peppercorns

Instructions
 

  • To make the shrimp broth, place shrimp shells in saucepan. Pour water over, add salt and peppercorns. Bring to a bowl, reduce heat and let simmer about 20 minutes.
  • Using a colander, strain the broth over a bowl. Discard shells.
  • To make the grits, bring chicken broth and water to a boil over medium heat in a medium sauce pan. Add butter, let melt.
  • Slowly whisk in the grits, stir for about 1-2 minutes to ensure that they don't stick to the bottom of the pan. Reduce the temperature to low, cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheddar. Cover and cook another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the grits are creamy. Leave covered on low heat until ready to serve.
  • Next make the shrimp by combining the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, cayenne and granulated garlic in a bowl and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until browned. Place on a paper towel lined plate, set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pan drippings.
  • To the same skillet add onions and garlic. Cook 3-5 minutes or until softened. Add shrimp. Cook until pink.
  • Once shrimp are pink, add flour and cook one minute. (Note: It is important to cook the flour for a minute so that you don't have a pasty flavor to your sauce). Add the shrimp broth and cook until it thickens, about 3 minutes. Add half and half and cook until the sauce reduces by 1/3, about 5 minutes, it should be creamy and will coat the back of a spoon. At the last minute add in reserved bacon bits. Pour shrimp and sauce over grits and serve immediately.

Notes

I had always shied away from grits, but I am glad that I finally gave them a try. Now that I have a whole box of them I think I'll try some more experimenting. I'll let you know how that goes. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: cajun, cheesy grits, cream sauce, Food, grits, Prawns, Recipe, shrimp, southern food

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Carole Larie Wade
    September 14, 2021 at 2:58 am

    5 stars
    Is that sauce or gravy? It sounds more like a white gravy.

  • Reply
    Marsha
    April 20, 2018 at 4:00 pm

    One if my favorite dishes. I’ll try this recipe but may add some sliced kielbasa to it. Had that at the Outer Banks and it was yummy!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 21, 2018 at 9:49 am

      Ooooh I am loving that idea! I love kielbasa!

  • Reply
    Margaret Fiocca
    September 29, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Last

  • Reply
    Kayley
    March 16, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    I made this and it is spectacular. I used vegan cheese instead of regular cheddar (dairy allergy) and it was amazing.

  • Reply
    Dot
    March 13, 2013 at 8:01 am

    First tried this dish at a casino buffet in Mississippi — wonderful! Had never heard of the combination. The next evening we were in Tallahassee and had room service for dinner — guess what we ordered? Again — wonderful!

  • Reply
    Mark
    January 1, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    These are absolutely fabulous! The depth and layers of flavor make both the shrimp and grits unforgettable.

  • Reply
    Bruce
    September 25, 2012 at 1:15 pm

    I’m a southern gentleman, and I can testify that grits all by themselves, are not very tasty. But cooked with broth, with a bunch of cheese, and supporting yummy cajun flavored shrimp, these grits will make you change your mind about hominy.

  • Reply
    Anita B
    January 8, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    I had shrimp and grits in a restaurant in Washington DC, called Busboys and Poets. They serve a shrimp and grits dish that is not like any of the recipes on this website. I didn’t taste bacon fat and there was no cheese in the grits.Them shrimp were just the right size. The grits are served in a semi-solid wedge form and looked to be slightly grilled, and there was fresh basil in them. The sauce has fresh corn kernels, asparagus, and tomatoes in a peanut butter colored gravy. It is unforgettable.

  • Reply
    Cat
    March 7, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    Just made this for dinner, and it was a huge hit.

  • Reply
    SDavis
    March 2, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Hi there :)
    I found this recipe and then merged this with another I found
    I used a shallot and garlic clove. Sauteed in olive oil..then added
    some serrano ham…then the flour..then chicken broth Then I added
    the cream. I sauteed the shrimp separately and mushrooms as well.
    I heated up the cream sauce then added the shrimp.I added the mushrooms
    only for the “grownups” before serving, I also sprinkled with scallions and red pepper flakes
    Thank you for a wonderful recipe. We realllllly enjoyed it :)

  • Reply
    Ruth
    February 19, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    This is a tasty easy version of shrimp ‘n grits, thanks!

    My dad’s from the South. Quick and instant grits (and no other kind) have been a thorn in his side in all the 50 + years he has lived in the NW.

    I order him old-fashioned stone ground grits from Falls Mill in Tennessee, now THOSE make him happy. Unfortunately, the shipping is almost more than the cost of the grits!But they are gooood!

    Also, if you have friends or family who go down south every now and then, you can beg them to get you some “slow” grits at any grocery store. Albers and Quaker make them. They taste better than quick grits which my dad says taste like the box they came in.

  • Reply
    April
    January 4, 2010 at 8:13 am

    I just made this for breakfast… YUMMY!!!!!

  • Reply
    Carol Blaess
    April 29, 2009 at 1:24 am

    My husband would never eat Grits. Being that there’s ( Shrimp and Cheese ) involved, he gave in.
    AND LOVED IT. Thank you !

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 29, 2009 at 2:30 pm

      You’re welcome Carol! I am so glad that you and your husband enjoyed it! It is amazing what shrimp and cheese can do ;-)

  • Reply
    hobokenmetromom
    April 13, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    This looks absolutely delicious. I have some shrimp in the freezer and grits in the pantry… perfect! Love your site.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 13, 2009 at 3:39 pm

      Thank hobokenmetromom! I hope you enjoy it :)

  • Reply
    Kevin
    April 6, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    That looks good. I have been wanting to try shrimp and grits.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 7, 2009 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks Kevin!

  • Reply
    Deseree
    April 6, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    You’re welcome leslie! :)

  • Reply
    leslie
    April 4, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    L am a Georgia,Girl And I know this recipe will be good.and of course it is different. love love love it.Thanks

  • Reply
    Deseree
    April 1, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    Thanks Sophia, you know I have heard that you can use polenta although I have never tried it, but I imagine it would be just as good.
    Thanks Carrie!
    Thanks the wicked noodle! I had only tried them once or twice before this and I am glad I gave them another shot because cooked this way they were delicious. :)

  • Reply
    the wicked noodle
    April 1, 2009 at 6:05 am

    I’m not sure I like grits, but I could try them again for this recipe! I’m quite sure that if I was going to enjoy them, it would be in this yummy dish.

  • Reply
    Carrie
    April 1, 2009 at 5:45 am

    I’ve never had shrimp and grits either, but I love that kind of southern food. This looks wonderful!

  • Reply
    Sophia
    April 1, 2009 at 3:32 am

    God, that looks heavenly. I’d love a huge bowl of that right now. I can use polenta too, right?

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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