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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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