Irresistible Bacon Shrimp and Grits (30 Minutes)

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This beloved dish is a staple in the South, and it’s easy to see why — it’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor! The combination of tender shrimp, salty bacon, and creamy grits creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Best of all, this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and delicious meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
  • Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook the grits according to the package instructions, usually around 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the grits are cooked and creamy, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. To serve, spoon the creamy grits onto plates or bowls. Top with the cooked shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and crispy bacon. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve with hot sauce on the side, if desired.

Notes

When making this dish, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh shrimp and stone-ground grits, for the best flavor and texture. Cooking the shrimp just until they turn pink and are cooked through will ensure they remain tender and succulent. Be sure to stir the grits occasionally while they cook to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan. For added depth of flavor, you can experiment with different seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning, to spice up the shrimp or the grits. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 430 calories
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 185mg

Pair this with...

Southern Style Collard Greens

"Start by selecting a hearty bunch of fresh collard greens, washing them thoroughly and removing the tough stems. Slice the greens into broad ribbons and set them aside. In a large pot, sauté some diced onions until translucent. Add chunks of savory ham, letting the meat brown slightly and release its smoky aroma. Once the ham is sizzling, pile in your collard greens. They'll seem towering at first, but they'll wilt down significantly. Pour in some chicken broth for added depth and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Let everything simmer slowly, melding the flavors together.

Hush Puppies

To whip up a batch of hush puppies, combine cornmeal, a bit of all-purpose flour, some baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. For that signature hint of sweetness, toss in a small amount of sugar. Mix in a beaten egg, a splash of milk, and diced onions to give your hush puppies some bite and depth. Now, heat up a pot of oil (or use a deep fryer if you have one) to about 365°F (185°C). Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil. They'll quickly puff up and turn a mouthwatering shade of golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them occasionally, ensuring an even fry. Once they're crispy and golden all around, scoop them out onto a paper towel to drain. Serve them hot with a side of tartar sauce or your favorite dip.

Easy Corn Bread

Begin by preheating your oven and greasing a baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Add in some sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, an egg, and melted butter or oil. Now, merge the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring just until everything comes together. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake until the top turns a lovely golden hue and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool for a moment, then slice and serve.

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