Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Name: Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 5 strips bacon (diced); 2 tbsp cajun seasoning; Olive oil; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1.5 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 3 scallions (thinly sliced (white and green parts)); 1 tbsp sambal oelek chili paste; 1/3 cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp heavy cream; 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley; 3 cups chicken stock; 1 cup quick grits (avoid instant; regular grits or polenta work too); 3 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 oz cream cheese (softened); 3/4 cup sharp cheddar (shredded); 3/4 cup pepper jack (or monterey jack, shredded); Salt and pepper (to taste)

Making an authentic southern shrimp and grits recipe at home usually means standing over the stove for hours, but you can get that exact same iconic flavor on the table in 30 minutes. The secret is knowing how to make shrimp and grits using quick grits while still building a tasty gravy. You get plump shrimp coated in a smoky, bacon-infused sauce spooned over a bowl of smooth cheese grits.

Why This Recipe Works

The first time I tried a traditional New Orleans shrimp and grits recipe was on a trip to New York with some close friends. Even though I was sitting in a nice restaurant, the entire meal felt like eating at a family table. It delivered the flavor of an entire culture on one plate. I wanted to understand how a meal like that came to be, so I looked into the history behind it.

What are Shrimps and Grits?

The roots of shrimp and grits go deep into the coastal South, originating as a humble breakfast tied to the painful realities of slavery. Enslaved African Americans in the Lowcountry combined their limited cornmeal rations with fresh shrimp caught in local creeks. That history is exactly why the food feels so grounded today. For generations, it remained everyday home cooking before chefs eventually brought it to restaurant tables. It carries a mix of cultures, survival, and deep tradition in one hot bowl. Best of all, this recipe lets you bring that authentic, historical flavor into your own kitchen in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Shrimp/Prawn: Shrimp, prawn, however you call them, we are looking for the BIG ONES here. Large shrimp hold more juice and deliver much more flavor to the final plate. Small shrimp tend to overcook very fast and dry out, so they are not what we want for this recipe.
Chicken Stock: Using stock builds a deep, savory base for both the gravy and the grits, offering much more flavor than just using water. You can easily substitute it with regular chicken broth. Both work just as well in this recipe, so just make sure to use a good quality brand.
Bacon: Bacon is a core component, which is why cooking it is the very first step. We need the rendered bacon fat to cook the seafood in. This infuses the shrimp and the gravy with a rich, smoky flavor right from the start. You want to cook the bacon until it is browned and firm, saving the meat to sprinkle on top at the end.
Quick Grits: Quick grits give you a smooth texture in a fraction of the time. You can substitute them with regular grits or polenta, though keep in mind they will require more time on the stove. You must avoid instant grits completely. Instant grits result in a gummy, unappealing texture, have a muted flavor, and suffer from nutrient loss during processing.

Note: Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the Recipe Card.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits

Start with the chicken stock to a boil, whisk in the quick grits, and simmer for five minutes until tender. Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and all the cheeses. A great trick here is using a potato masher to break down the softened cream cheese and remove any cornmeal lumps quickly. Season with salt and pepper, adjust the thickness with a splash of extra stock if needed, and cover the pot to keep it warm.

Cook the diced bacon in a large pan until browned. Move the bacon to a paper towel, leaving half the rendered fat in the pan. Toss the shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning, then sear them in the hot bacon fat for two minutes per side until opaque and pink. Set the shrimp aside.

In the same pan, melt the butter and cook the garlic and scallions until fragrant, followed by the sambal oelek. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Whisk in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream, letting it simmer and reduce into a rich gravy. Toss the shrimp and parsley back into the pan to coat them in the sauce. Serve the warm cheese grits in bowls, topped with the saucy shrimp and reserved bacon.

Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp and Grits

Watch the heat with the cream: When adding the heavy cream and lemon juice to build the gravy, make sure the stove is set to a low simmer. Boiling dairy rapidly with acidic ingredients like citrus can cause the sauce to separate or look grainy.

Pat the seafood dry: Before tossing the shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning, use a paper towel to pat them completely dry. Any excess water will cause the shrimp to steam in the pan rather than getting a proper sear in the hot bacon fat.

Prevent a film on your grits: As cheese grits sit off the heat, they quickly form a thick skin on top. If your grits finish cooking before your gravy is done, press a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly against the surface of the grits before covering the pot with a lid.

Prep everything before you start: This recipe moves very fast once the bacon is done. Have your garlic minced, scallions sliced, and liquids measured out in small bowls right next to the stove. This prevents the garlic from burning while you stop to measure the chicken stock.

What to Serve With Shrimp and Grits

Because shrimp and grits is a heavy, filling dish by itself, I recommend pairing it with a fresh side to balance the rich cheese and bacon. Here are a few great options to serve alongside it:

Fresh Salads: A simple tomato salad brings a bright acidity that cuts right through the savory gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or mushrooms are easy, hands-off sides that pair well with the flavors of the dish.
Green Sides: Sugar snap peas are a great choice if you want to add a fresh green vegetable to the plate.
Traditional Pairings: If you are planning a full Juneteenth commemoration table, a classic potato salad is an essential addition that cannot be missed.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work very well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, you can submerge them in a sealed bag in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes. Pat them completely dry before seasoning so they sear properly in the pan instead of steaming.

Why Did My Cheese Grits Turn Out Too Thick?

Grits thicken very fast as they cool down. If they sit on the stove while you finish the seafood gravy, they might become stiff. To fix this, just place the pot back over low heat and stir in a splash of warm chicken stock or cream until they loosen up and return to a smooth texture.

What Is the Difference Between Grits and Polenta?

Both are made from ground corn, but they use different types of corn. Grits are traditional to the Southern United States and are usually made from white dent corn, which gives them a softer, smoother texture. Polenta is an Italian ingredient made from yellow flint corn, which has a coarser grind and a firmer bite. You can use quick-cooking polenta in this recipe if you are in a pinch, but the texture will be a bit more coarse.

Can I Use Water Instead of Chicken Stock to Cook the Grits?

You can, but it is not recommended if you want the most flavor. Chicken stock adds a savory, seasoned base to the cornmeal that water simply cannot provide. If you do not have stock on hand, you can use chicken broth or a mix of water and milk, but stick to stock for that authentic taste.