charleston shrimp and grits recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best charleston shrimp and grits recipe

I’ve been making Charleston shrimp and grits recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in my household. My kids love it because it’s a comforting, filling meal that’s easy to make.

As for me, I appreciate how versatile this dish is – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday brunch. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the shrimp and grits themselves.

You want to use fresh shrimp that are sustainably sourced and stone-ground grits that have a rich, earthy flavor. When you cook them together with some aromatics and spices, the result is a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over rice to soak up all the juices.

The best part? It’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, thanks to the lean protein from the shrimp and the whole grain goodness of the grits.

Charleston Shrimp and Grits

4.5 from 1294 votes

A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy stone-ground grits topped with tender shrimp in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. This comforting meal combines the rich flavors of bacon, garlic, and lemon for a true Southern experience.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Grits

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil over high heat.
2Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the grits are thick and creamy.
3Remove from heat and stir in the butter and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4While the grits cook, place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered.
6Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
7Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon drippings and heat over medium-high heat.
8Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
9Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
11Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then sprinkle with cayenne and black pepper.
12Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the shrimp are fully cooked.
13To serve, divide the creamy grits among four bowls.
14Spoon the shrimp and sauce over the grits, then top with the crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley.
15Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For best results, use stone-ground grits rather than instant for a creamier texture. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. If the grits become too thick, add a splash of warm water or milk to loosen them before serving.

Watch Video Of How Charleston Shrimp and Grits Works

This Charleston shrimp and grits recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in with loved ones.

One of my favorite aspects of this dish is how well it holds up after reheating – simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later use.

When reheating, add some extra liquid (like chicken broth or cream) if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston Shrimp and Grits

Q1: What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

In this recipe, you want to use large, fresh shrimp that are sustainably sourced. Look for wild-caught or farmed shrimp that are free of antibiotics and other chemicals. You can also use frozen shrimp if you can’t find fresh ones – just thaw them according to the package instructions.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without grits?

While traditional Charleston shrimp and grits relies on stone-ground grits as its foundation, you can experiment with other grains like polenta or even cauliflower ‘rice’ if you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option.

Q3: How do I prevent the grits from becoming too mushy?

To avoid overcooking the grits, cook them according to package instructions until they’re slightly tender but still retain some texture. Then, stir in some grated cheese or butter towards the end of cooking time to help bind everything together.

Q4: Can I add other ingredients like vegetables or herbs?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste preferences! Feel free to add diced veggies like bell peppers or onions towards the end of cooking time. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, since it calls for shrimp as its main protein source. However, you can easily substitute cooked chicken or tofu if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative.

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