Skip to content

Fish

Shrimp and grits

Shrimp and grits is a Southern American dish made of bacon fried shrimp served over creamy cheddar grits. It serves 4, takes 35 minutes, and is easy to make for about €4.60 per person. The secret is smooth grits cooked in milk and water, and shrimp cooked just until pink.

Tonight we're heading to the American South with shrimp and grits, bacon fried shrimp over creamy cheesy grits.

Shrimp and grits
Total time
35 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€4.60
Calories per person
590 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter
The kids
They generally like it

Shrimp and grits brings together crispy smoky bacon, soft cheesy grits and shrimp lightly spiced with paprika. A squeeze of lemon and fresh scallions add brightness that balances this rich, comforting dish straight from the American South.

It's the kind of dinner that breaks up a regular weeknight, ready in just 35 minutes without any tricky technique. Kids love the creamy, cheesy grits while adults enjoy the shrimp and bacon combo that gives the dish its character.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Raw peeled shrimp 600 g

Pantry

  • Quick cooking gritsoften in the pantry 200 g
  • Paprikaoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Dairy

  • Milk 50 cl
  • Shredded cheddar 100 g
  • Butter 40 g

Butcher

  • Smoky bacon bits 150 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Scallions 4
  • Lemon 1

Allergens Shellfish, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Bring the milk and 50 cl of salted water to a boil, pour in the grits in a steady stream and stir until thickened. 8 min

    Whisk constantly at first, that's the key to lump free grits.

  2. Stir the butter and cheddar into the grits, mix well and keep warm over very low heat.

    Loosen with a little warm milk if they thicken too much while waiting.

  3. Cook the bacon bits in a dry skillet until crispy, then remove them. 6 min

    Keep a bit of the rendered fat, it adds flavor to the shrimp.

  4. In that same fat, sauté the shrimp with paprika, salt and pepper, adding the chopped garlic for the last minute. 4 min

    They're done as soon as they curl into a C shape and turn pink.

  5. Plate the grits, top with the shrimp and bacon bits, and finish with lemon and sliced scallions.

    A squeeze of lemon juice cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick quick cooking grits that are ready in minutes, they're what gives this dish its signature creamy texture.
  • Don't over rinse the raw shrimp, they need to stay firm to sear properly in the pan.
  • Serve right away, grits thicken fast as they cool and lose their creaminess.

The variations

  • Swap the smoky bacon bits for strips of regular bacon for an even smokier flavor and crispier bite.
  • For a shellfish free version, use diced chicken or sautéed mushrooms instead of shrimp.
  • To save time, use already cooked shrimp and just warm them through for two minutes with the spices.

What to serve it with

  • A lemony green salad
  • Cornbread on the side
  • Homemade iced tea

Storage

Shrimp and grits keep for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Grits firm up as they cool, reheat them gently with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. Freezing isn't recommended, the shrimp and grits lose their texture.

Questions about this dish

Can I use regular grits instead of quick cooking grits?

Yes, but plan for a longer cook time, around 30 to 40 minutes depending on the brand. Stir often so they don't stick to the bottom of the pot.

Can I make the grits ahead of time?

You can make them up to an hour ahead and keep them covered over very low heat. Stir in a little warm milk before serving if they've thickened too much.

What cheese works if I don't have cheddar?

A mild Gouda or Monterey Jack works well and gives a similar flavor. Avoid very mild cheeses, they get lost against the spices.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are ready as soon as they curl into a C shape and turn opaque pink. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so aim for 3 to 4 minutes over high heat.

How long does it take to make shrimp and grits?

Count 35 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in shrimp and grits?

About 590 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does shrimp and grits cost?

About €4.60 per serving, or €18.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains shellfish, lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

Recipes with shrimp

See all

Fish and seafood dishes

See all