Southern Shrimp & Grits 🧈🍤 Savory, Creamy, and Full of Soul

— Comfort Food With Coastal Energy

Southern Shrimp & Grits is a dish that brings together smoky seared shrimp, buttery garlic pan sauce, and creamy stone-ground grits into a single skillet of Southern magic.

It’s hearty but elegant, sharp with spice, and smooth with butter — a full meal in every bite.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning or blackened spice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: chopped scallions or hot sauce to finish

For the Grits

• ¾ cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
• 3 cups water or broth
• ½ cup whole milk or cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½–¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar (optional but recommended)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Grits

In a saucepan, bring water (or broth) to a simmer. Whisk in grits and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 20–30 minutes until tender. Stir in milk, butter, and cheese if using. Season well with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain, leaving about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Season shrimp with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the same skillet (add oil if needed), sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Pan Sauce

Lower heat. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant. Deglaze with lemon juice or a splash of broth if needed. Return shrimp and bacon to the pan and toss to coat in the garlicky sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon hot grits into bowls. Top with shrimp, bacon, and pan sauce. Finish with scallions, parsley, or hot sauce if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Make it extra spicy with cayenne or chipotle powder in the shrimp seasoning
• Swap cheddar for Parmesan or smoked gouda in the grits
• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the shrimp mix
• Use creole mustard or Worcestershire in the sauce for depth

Serving Ideas

• As a main dish with cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
• With sautéed greens like kale or collards on the side
• Topped with a fried egg for brunch-style decadence
• Paired with iced tea, crisp lager, or bourbon lemonade

Pro Tips

• Stone-ground grits = better flavor and texture — avoid instant if possible
• Stir grits often to prevent sticking and clumping
• Shrimp should be cooked hot and fast — don’t let them linger
• Bacon fat in the pan adds essential depth to the shrimp

Final Thoughts

Southern Shrimp & Grits delivers full comfort with sharp seasoning and creamy richness. It’s rustic but refined, hearty but elegant — a skillet dish that brings warmth, texture, and soul to the table.

Simmer slow. Sear hot. Spoon deep. 🧈🍤🔥

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.