Shrimp and Grits
Creamy, buttery stone-ground grits topped with tender, spice-dusted shrimp and a savory bacon gravy. A Southern comfort classic that's perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~25 min
Cook the grits.
1.Bring 4 cups water and a pinch of salt to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.2.Slowly whisk in the grits until smooth with no lumps.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.4.Whisk in cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp butter until melted and creamy. Cover and keep warm.TIPStir the grits every few minutes to prevent sticking and scorching on the bottom. - fry · ~8 min
Render the bacon.
1.Place chopped bacon in a cold large skillet and set over medium heat.2.Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp and fat is rendered.3.Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pan.TIPStarting bacon in a cold pan helps render the fat more completely without burning the meat. - saute · ~6 min
Build the aromatic base.
1.Add diced onion and bell pepper to the hot bacon drippings.2.Sauté until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - saute · ~6 min
Sear the shrimp.
1.Pat shrimp completely dry and season with remaining salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.2.Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.3.Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.4.Remove skillet from heat immediately.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — cook shrimp in two batches if needed to get a good sear. - mix · ~1 min
Finish the sauce.
1.Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and lemon juice to the skillet with the shrimp.2.Return the crispy bacon to the pan.3.Gently toss everything to combine and coat the shrimp in the buttery pan sauce. - assemble
Plate the shrimp and grits.
1.Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits into each bowl.2.Top with the shrimp and bacon mixture, spooning the pan sauce over the top.3.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Stir the grits frequently as they simmer to prevent lumps and sticking.
- 2Pat shrimp very dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear, not steamed.
- 3Start bacon in a cold pan to render fat evenly without burning.
- 4Cook shrimp in a single layer; overcrowding will steam instead of sear.
- 5Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor without overpowering the grits.
- 6Warm the serving bowls so the dish stays hot longer at the table.
- 7Make the grits up to 30 minutes ahead and keep covered off heat; stir in a splash of water before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it; use 1 tablespoon olive oil to sauté the aromatics. The dish becomes leaner while still retaining the smoky flavor from smoked paprika.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add an extra 200 g shrimp or swap half the shrimp for diced cooked chicken sausage. This boosts protein without changing the Southern character.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace shrimp with 300 g chopped mushrooms (cremini or oyster) and substitute bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh. The mushrooms absorb the smoky pan flavors and provide a meaty texture.
cheese freeCheese-free
Omit the cheddar and whisk in 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast with the butter for a dairy-free creamy grits base. The result is lighter but still rich.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein from Shrimp
Shrimp provide lean, high-quality protein with all essential amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance and repair.
Rich in Antioxidant Vitamin C
Green bell peppers and fresh lemon juice contribute vitamin C, which supports immune health and aids iron absorption.
Source of Selenium
Shrimp are naturally rich in selenium, a mineral that plays a key role in thyroid function and antioxidant defense.
Moderate in Healthy Fats
Bacon and butter provide saturated fat in moderate amounts; using quality bacon and butter in moderation keeps the dish balanced.
Contains Iron from Grits
Stone-ground grits contain iron (from whole corn), which helps transport oxygen in the blood.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the texture will be less creamy and the flavor less corn-forward. Reduce cooking time to 5–10 minutes and adjust liquid as per package directions.
