Ultimate Carolina Shrimp & Grits

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Experience the heart of Southern cuisine with this Carolina Shrimp & Grits recipe. Creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits paired with succulent shrimp, smoky bacon, and a zesty pan sauce create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, this Lowcountry classic will transport your taste buds straight to the Southern coast.

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 180 g stone-ground grits
• 720 ml water
• 240 ml whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 60 g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp & Sauce:

• 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 60 ml chicken broth or seafood stock
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Grits

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, and salt to a boil.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits to prevent lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy.
4. Stir in butter, cheese, and black pepper. Keep warm.

2. Season the Shrimp

• Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning if using.

3. Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.

4. Sauté Vegetables

• Sauté onion and bell pepper in bacon fat for 4–5 minutes until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

5. Cook the Shrimp

• Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

6. Create the Pan Sauce

1. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth or seafood stock, scraping up browned bits.
2. Add lemon juice and return bacon to the pan.
3. Stir to combine and simmer briefly.

7. Assemble and Serve

• Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp mixture, and garnish with green onions and parsley.

Pro Tips

• Let grits rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to thicken and enhance flavor.
• Cook shrimp with tails on for extra flavor in the sauce; remove before serving.
• For a restaurant-quality presentation, create a well in the grits and arrange shrimp in a circular pattern.

Why This Recipe Works

• Combines creamy grits, smoky bacon, and tender shrimp for the ultimate comfort food.
• Quick 45-minute preparation makes it perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
• Gluten-free and naturally rich in flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

• Shrimp: Wild-caught American shrimp preferred, but frozen works too.
• Bacon Alternative: Use butter or olive oil with smoked paprika for a pescatarian version.
• Cheese: Swap cheddar with pepper jack or gouda for a flavor twist.
• Grits: Quick-cooking grits can substitute, but stone-ground yields authentic texture.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Prepare grits in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with additional milk or water.
• Cook shrimp fresh to maintain tenderness.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with sautéed collard greens or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the rich pan sauce.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are stone-ground grits? Can I use regular grits?
A: Stone-ground grits retain more texture and corn flavor. Regular grits cook faster but are smoother.

Q: How do I prevent lumpy grits?
A: Gradually whisk grits into boiling liquid and stir frequently while cooking.

Q: Can this dish be made ahead?
A: Yes. Cook grits in advance, but prepare shrimp just before serving for best texture.

Q: How do I devein shrimp?
A: Make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark vein. Rinse under cold water.

Q: How can I make creamier grits?
A: Add extra milk, cream, or a bit of mascarpone or cream cheese at the end of cooking.

Carolina Shrimp & Grits is the ultimate Southern comfort food, balancing creamy, cheesy grits with tender shrimp and smoky bacon. Quick, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free, it’s a dish everyone will love.

Creamy Carolina Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Enjoy creamy grits topped with tender shrimp and smoky bacon in this easy 45-minute Carolina Shrimp & Grits recipe.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Grits:

• 180 g stone-ground grits
• 729 ml water
• 240 ml whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 60 g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp & Sauce:

• 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 60 ml chicken broth or seafood stock
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Grits

• In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, and salt to a boil.
• Gradually whisk in the grits to prevent lumps.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy.
• Stir in butter, cheese, and black pepper. Keep warm.

2. Season the Shrimp

• Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning if using.

3. Cook the Bacon

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.

4. Sauté Vegetables

• Sauté onion and bell pepper in bacon fat for 4–5 minutes until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

5. Cook the Shrimp

• Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

6. Create the Pan Sauce

• Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth or seafood stock, scraping up browned bits.
• Add lemon juice and return bacon to the pan.
• Stir to combine and simmer briefly.

7. Assemble and Serve

• Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp mixture, and garnish with green onions and parsley.

Notes

• Use stone-ground grits for authentic texture.
• Thick-cut, applewood smoked bacon adds the richest flavor.
• Perfect for brunch, dinner, or special occasions.

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