Description

Creamy shrimp and grits made with tender shrimp, rich stone ground grits, sharp cheddar cheese, and a savory tomato based pan sauce. This comforting dish delivers bold flavor, smooth texture, and a satisfying balance of richness and freshness, perfect for an easy yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

Low sodium chicken broth

Water

Kosher salt

Stone ground corn grits

Unsalted butter

Sharp cheddar cheese such as Cabot Creamery Sharp Cheddar or Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar

Freshly ground black pepper

Turkey bacon such as Applegate Uncured Turkey Bacon or Butterball Turkey Bacon

Large tail on shrimp, peeled and deveined

Garlic cloves, finely chopped

Dried oregano

Paprika

Tomato paste

Vegetable broth

Scallions, thinly sliced

Fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth and water to a boil in a saucepan and season well with salt

2. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and slowly whisk in the grits until smooth

3. Cook the grits while stirring often until thick, creamy, and tender

4. Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth

5. Season the grits with black pepper and adjust salt, then keep warm

6. Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp

7. Transfer bacon to a board, chop into small pieces, and reserve pan drippings

8. Toss shrimp with garlic, oregano, paprika, and salt

9. Cook shrimp in the same skillet until pink and opaque, then set aside

10. Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook until darker and fragrant

11. Whisk in vegetable broth and simmer until slightly reduced and thickened

12. Return shrimp and bacon to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce

13. Stir in scallions and fresh lemon juice

14. Spoon warm grits into bowls and top with shrimp and sauce

Notes

Stone ground grits provide the best flavor and texture for this dish

Stir grits frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking

Do not overcook shrimp, as they can become tough very quickly

Cooking the tomato paste deepens flavor and improves sauce richness

If grits thicken too much, loosen with a splash of warm broth

Fresh lemon juice balances the richness and should be added at the end

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American