Easy Ina Garten Shrimp And Grits Recipe: Southern Comfort Magic

Southern comfort meets coastal elegance in this shrimp and grits masterpiece that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary symphony.

Rich, creamy grits provide a velvety canvas for succulent seafood, creating a dish that whispers tales of coastal kitchens and family gatherings.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe celebrates traditional Southern cooking with a modern twist that makes every bite memorable.

Smooth cheese melts into golden grits, while perfectly seasoned shrimp dance across the plate with remarkable flavor complexity.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a harmonious meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Bacon adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire preparation, promising a sensory experience that connects you to time-honored culinary traditions.

This recipe will transport you to a warm kitchen where comfort and creativity intertwine: grab your skillet and let’s begin.

Why Ina Garten’s Shrimp and Grits Are a Southern Hit

• Savor Southern Comfort: This recipe captures the heart of Southern cuisine with its creamy grits and perfectly cooked shrimp, delivering a warm, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish in just 40 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into an impressive meal that looks and tastes like you've spent hours cooking.
• Texture Party in Your Mouth: Experience a delightful contrast between the smooth, cheesy grits and the crispy bacon-topped shrimp, creating a symphony of textures that dance on your taste buds.

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits

• Grits: Creamy, Southern-style cornmeal base that provides a smooth, comforting foundation for the dish. Stone-ground grits offer the best texture and traditional flavor.
• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that serves as the protein centerpiece. Large or jumbo shrimp work best for maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Bacon: Rich, smoky meat that adds deep flavor and crispy texture to the dish. Thick-cut bacon provides the most robust taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the grits. Sharp cheddar provides the best melting and flavor profile.
• Butter: Enhances smoothness and richness of the grits. Unsalted butter allows better control of the dish's saltiness.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall flavor and adds a fresh, tangy element to the shrimp sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Scallions: Adds a mild, oniony freshness and vibrant color to the final presentation.
• Minced Garlic: Provides depth and aromatic complexity to the shrimp sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

Making Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits Step by Step

Step 1: Cooking Creamy Grits

• Butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Preparing Crispy Bacon And Succulent Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 4 bacon slices until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté peeled and deveined shrimp until they turn pink and curl, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Crafting Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Fresh lemon juice
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 chopped scallions
• Crumbled crispy bacon
• Chopped fresh parsley

Sauté for 3 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Assembling And Serving The Dish

Spoon the creamy grits into serving bowls. Generously top with the shrimp and sauce mixture. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Tips for a Memorable Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits

• Master Creamy Grits: Whisk stone-ground grits slowly to prevent lumps and achieve silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
• Select Premium Shrimp: Look for wild-caught, shell-on varieties with clean ocean scent and firm, glossy appearance for maximum flavor.
• Crisp Bacon Brilliance: Render fat completely by starting bacon in cold pan, allowing slow, even cooking for maximum crunchiness.
• Cheese Elevation Technique: Grate cheese freshly just before stirring into hot grits to ensure maximum melting and rich, velvety consistency.
• Precise Shrimp Timing: Remove shrimp from heat the instant they curl and turn opaque to lock in delicate, tender texture without rubbery result.

How to Store Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits

• Flavor Preservation: Separate shrimp and grits into individual airtight containers to maintain their distinct textures and prevent cross-contamination. This method keeps each component crisp and prevents moisture transfer.
• Rapid Cooling: Let the dish cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Transfer to containers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and preserve food safety.
• Gentle Reheating: Revive grits by adding a splash of warm milk or broth, stirring constantly to restore creamy consistency. Warm shrimp in short microwave bursts or use a skillet with a touch of butter to prevent rubbery texture. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and quality.

Variations to Try with Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits

• Southern Style: Add andouille sausage to the bacon for a spicier kick. Incorporate smoked paprika and cayenne pepper into the shrimp for extra New Orleans flair.
• Coastal Classic: Replace bacon with pancetta and add fresh cherry tomatoes. Mix white wine into the sauce for a lighter, brighter Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Cheesy Fusion: Swap cheddar cheese with gouda or gruyère in the grits. Include roasted green chiles and crispy chorizo bits for a southwest-inspired protein boost.
• Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh dill and chives into the grits. Use herb-infused butter and add lemon zest to brighten the shrimp's natural sweetness. Garnish with microgreens for elegant complexity.

Wrap-Up on Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits

Southern comfort meets coastal elegance in Ina Garten’s shrimp and grits masterpiece.

Creamy cheese-infused grits create a luxurious foundation for succulent shrimp dancing with crispy bacon.

Local ingredients elevate this classic dish from simple to spectacular.

Southern kitchens whisper culinary secrets through each carefully crafted bite.

Garten’s recipe bridges tradition and contemporary cuisine with remarkable grace.

Passionate cooks, savor this moment: share your kitchen adventure, snap a photo, tell friends about this delectable Southern treasure – your taste buds will thank you.

Ina Garten Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s shrimp and grits offer a luxurious Southern classic with creamy cheese-infused grits and succulent shrimp. Rich coastal flavors meld perfectly, creating a comforting dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Protein and Flavor Enhancers:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 cup thinly sliced scallions
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Initiate the grits preparation by bringing 4 cups (946 milliliters) of water to a vigorous boil in a medium-sized pot. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and ground black pepper, then gently whisk in the stone-ground grits, ensuring no lumps form. Reduce heat to a low simmer and allow the grits to absorb the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After 20 to 25 minutes, when the grits reach a creamy consistency, fold in unsalted butter and sharp cheddar cheese until silky smooth.
2. Prepare the seafood by thoroughly rinsing the raw shrimp under cold water, then patting them completely dry with paper towels. Select a large cast-iron skillet and render the bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pan. Sauté the shrimp in the bacon drippings, cooking until they turn opaque and develop a light pink color, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
3. Craft the accompanying sauce by introducing fresh lemon juice, crumbled bacon pieces, finely chopped parsley, thinly sliced green onions, and minced garlic into the skillet with the cooked shrimp. Gently toss the ingredients, allowing them to intermingle and develop a robust flavor profile for roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Plate the dish by spreading the creamy, cheese-infused grits as a luxurious base in wide-rimmed bowls. Carefully ladle the aromatic shrimp and bacon mixture over the grits, ensuring an even distribution. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Southern comfort meets elegant dining with this mouthwatering shrimp and grits combination.
• Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes.
• Bacon fat becomes liquid gold, infusing shrimp with deep, smoky flavor profiles.
• Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket of creamy goodness across perfectly cooked grits.
• Fresh herbs add vibrant color and zesty brightness that cuts through rich, decadent elements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering, Frying, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 579 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1040 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 163 mg