Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this mouthwatering rendition of New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits that will have you savoring every bite and yearning for seconds. The succulent shrimp take center stage, skillfully cooked in a tantalizing blend of Cajun seasoning, red pepper, green onions, crispy bacon, and garlic, all elegantly ladled over a luscious bed of creamy, cheesy cheddar grits. A quintessential Southern dish, this recipe effortlessly comes together, making it a cherished favorite among family and friends.
Let’s embark on crafting this Southern delicacy! Begin by initiating the grits and peeling the shrimp. Boil water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low, whisking in grits and salt until tender. Remove from heat and stir in butter, cream, and cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, peel and devein the shrimp.
In a large skillet over medium heat, crisp up some bacon until golden brown. Once cooled, chop the bacon coarsely, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet. In the flavorful bacon fat, cook the shrimp, dusting them with creole seasoning and cayenne pepper for a minute on each side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate. Introduce a touch of canola oil to the skillet, sautéing red pepper for 1-2 minutes, followed by green onion and garlic for an additional minute. Reunite the bacon and shrimp in the skillet, introducing chicken broth, Worcestershire Sauce, and lemon juice, stirring until well combined. Spoon this delectable mixture over the cheesy grits and serve promptly, perhaps with a side of hot sauce.
But what exactly are grits, you might wonder? Hailing from the South, grits are crafted from ground corn, typically dent corn, known for its starchy, less sweet nature, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture when cooked. Whether white or yellow corn, the only difference lies in the color of the grits. Three varieties exist: stone ground grits for a more corn-centric flavor, quick grits for a creamier texture, and instant grits for those rushed moments.
In the realm of shrimp selection, opt for the exquisite 21-25 count per pound wild-caught shrimp, ensuring a perfect balance of size and flavor for this recipe. These shrimp, ideally frozen or previously frozen, are peeled and deveined, saving you precious time in the kitchen.
For those eager to recreate this culinary masterpiece, here’s the breakdown:
Cheesy Grits:
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Shrimp:
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Boil water, add salt and grits, simmer until tender. Remove from heat, stir in butter, cream, and cheddar cheese.
- In a skillet, crisp bacon, chop coarsely, and reserve bacon grease. Cook shrimp in bacon fat with Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper for 1 minute per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Add vegetable oil to the skillet, cook red pepper until tender, then add green onions and garlic for 1 minute. Introduce chicken broth, Worcestershire Sauce, and lemon juice. Return shrimp and bacon to the skillet, heat for 1 minute.
- Spoon cheesy grits into a bowl, top with shrimp mixture, and serve immediately.
Notes for culinary success:
- Quick grits are the optimal choice for this recipe.
- Utilize high-quality smoked bacon and retain the bacon grease.
- Choose wild-caught, peeled, deveined shrimp for optimal taste.
- Sprinkle seasoning on shrimp while in the pan for enhanced flavor.
- Serve promptly, as shrimp doesn’t reheat well. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with caution.
Savor the rich flavors and Southern charm of this delectable Shrimp and Grits, a culinary experience that captivates the palate and leaves a lasting impression.
image source : small town woman
