Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup yellow grits
- 4 cups water
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- 3 tbsp. butter, salted or unsalted
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar or asiago cheese, shredded
For the Shrimp:
- 5 – 6 strips high-quality bacon, sliced or chopped into small pieces
- 1-pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 dashes Tabasco sauce, optional
Instructions
To prepare the grits using a rice cooker:
- Combine the grits, water, and salt in the rice cooker, and run a normal white rice cycle.
- When the cycle is over, stir in the butter and cream; stir in the cheese.
- Season to taste and make necessary adjustments.
To prepare the grits using a stovetop:
- In a non-stick saucepan, bring the water to a boil; add the grits and salt.
- Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Stir in the butter and cream and then the cheese.
- Taste and make necessary seasoning adjustments.
How to prepare the shrimp:
- Place the bacon in a cold skillet; turn the heat to medium.
- Render out the fat and cook the bacon until crisp; about 10 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the bacon bits, leaving the bacon grease and brown bits in the pan.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper; cook for 60 seconds.
- Flip the shrimp over, season with salt and pepper; add the scallions, garlic, lemon juice, Tabasco, if using and the reserved crisped bacon.
- Let the shrimp cook for another minute or two until cooked through, tossing the ingredients gently to meld the flavors.
- Take care not to overcook the shrimp, and keep in mind there will be a little bit of carryover cooking, so undercook them slightly.
- To serve, place the grits on the bottom of a bowl and scoop the shrimp on top.
Notes
Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Technically, you can also freeze for up to 2 months, although the grits will not be as creamy.