Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits Recipe for Easy Elegance

Southern shrimp and grits beckon with a symphony of coastal comfort and rustic charm.

Creamy, golden grits transform into a luxurious backdrop for plump, perfectly seasoned seafood.

Melted cheese swirls through the corn base, creating a velvety landscape that whispers Southern hospitality.

Crisp bacon crumbles add a smoky melody to each delectable bite, elevating the dish beyond simple sustenance.

Layers of flavor unfold like a culinary love letter to traditional cooking techniques.

The marriage of tender shrimp and silky grits promises a meal that hugs your soul and delights your palate.

Grab your skillet and let the cooking magic begin, a mouthwatering adventure awaits.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients Used in Ina Garten Shrimp and Grits

• Grits: Choose stone-ground for richer, more authentic texture and deeper corn flavor.
• Water: Use filtered water for cleaner, crisper taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Select freshly ground black pepper for robust, vibrant seasoning.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted, high-quality butter to control salt levels and enhance creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Select sharp, aged cheddar for intense, tangy flavor profile.

• Bacon: Pick thick-cut, smoky bacon for maximum crunch and rich taste.
• Shrimp: Select fresh, medium-sized wild-caught shrimp for sweetest oceanic flavor.

• Lemon: Choose ripe, bright yellow lemons with firm, glossy skin for zesty brightness.
• Garlic: Pick firm, plump cloves without blemishes for most potent flavor.
• Scallions: Select bright green, crisp stalks with white bottoms for fresh punch.
• Parsley: Grab vibrant, deep green leaves without wilting for garnish and herbal notes.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp and Grits

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling water and cooking creamy grits smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending grits without creating lumpy texture.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking bacon and sautéing shrimp with even heat.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess grease from crispy bacon.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping garlic, scallions, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping of herbs and ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring grits and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.
• Serving Bowls: Presents the final dish with a beautiful, appetizing look.

Cooking Instructions for Shrimp and Grits

• Kickstart the Grits

Boil water in a pot and sprinkle in some salt. Whisk grits smoothly into the bubbling liquid, stirring nonstop to keep things silky. Let the mixture simmer and transform for about 20 minutes until it thickens beautifully. Melt in butter and cheese, stirring until the grits become luxuriously creamy.

• Sizzle the Bacon and Seafood

Fire up a skillet and crisp the bacon until golden and irresistible. Pull out the bacon and let it rest on paper towels. Use the same pan with those incredible bacon drippings to cook shrimp until they turn a perfect rosy pink and curl up tantalizingly.

• Build Explosive Flavor

Toss garlic, scallions, lemon juice, and crumbled bacon into the shrimp pan. Let everything dance and mingle for a few minutes, releasing an aroma that’ll make mouths water. Sprinkle in fresh parsley for a burst of brightness.

• Create the Ultimate Comfort Plate

Ladle those dreamy, creamy grits into bowls. Crown them with the saucy, succulent shrimp mixture. For an extra touch of elegance, scatter some additional parsley on top. Serve immediately and watch everyone swoon with delight.

Flavor Adjustments for Shrimp and Grits

Experiment with different cheese varieties like gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar to add unique flavor profiles and create your signature twist on classic grits.

Replace shrimp with other proteins like andouille sausage, crawfish, or blackened chicken to transform the dish while maintaining its southern charm and robust taste.

Try turkey bacon for a leaner option or pancetta for an Italian-inspired variation that adds a different depth of saltiness and crunch to the recipe.

Prepare grits and sauce components separately up to two days in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, which helps streamline meal preparation and ensures convenient, stress-free cooking.

Serving Shrimp and Grits in Style

• Elevate Breakfast Experience: Pair this hearty grits and shrimp dish with a crisp white wine or freshly squeezed orange juice for a luxurious morning meal.
• Create Colorful Plate Presentation: Sprinkle chopped green onions and red pepper flakes on top to add vibrant colors and extra zesty flavor dimensions.
• Complement with Side Dishes: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad or buttered toast to balance the rich, creamy grits and provide textural contrast.
• Enhance Protein Options: Consider adding scrambled eggs or grilled chicken for those wanting additional protein in their breakfast or brunch spread.

Keeping Shrimp and Grits Fresh

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover shrimp and grits in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate components prevent soggy textures and maintain optimal taste quality.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Gently warm grits with a splash of milk or water to restore creamy consistency. Reheat shrimp separately in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• Smart Make-Ahead Technique: Prepare grits and shrimp components separately up to one day in advance. Keep refrigerated in sealed containers, allowing you to assemble quickly when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Freezing Wisdom: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze plain grits for up to one month. Avoid freezing shrimp-based dishes, as seafood tends to lose texture and quality when thawed. Always consume seafood dishes within 24-48 hours for peak flavor and safety.

Elegant Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s shrimp and grits recipe blends Southern comfort with gourmet elegance. Rich, creamy cheese grits provide a luxurious base for perfectly seasoned shrimp you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (960 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) stone-ground grits
• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 4 tsp (20 ml) lemon juice
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley
• 1 cup (100 g) thinly sliced scallions
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Grits Preparation: Bring water to a boil in a medium pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Whisk in stone-ground grits, eliminating lumps. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally until creamy, approximately 20-25 minutes. Incorporate butter and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until silky and smooth.
2. Seafood and Bacon Technique: Rinse and dry shrimp thoroughly. In a cast-iron skillet, render bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden. Remove bacon, reserving drippings. Sauté shrimp in bacon fat, cooking until opaque and light pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Flavor Infusion: Add lemon juice, crumbled bacon, parsley, green onions, and garlic to the skillet with cooked shrimp. Toss ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes, creating a vibrant sauce.
4. Plating and Serving: Spread creamy, cheese-laden grits in wide-rimmed bowls as a luxurious foundation. Top with shrimp and bacon mixture, ensuring even distribution. Optional: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Grits Consistency Check: Stir constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a creamy, smooth texture without burning the bottom of the pot.
• Bacon Fat Flavor Boost: Use the rendered bacon fat to sauté shrimp for an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Cook shrimp just until they turn opaque and pink to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Serving Temperature Matters: Serve immediately while both grits and shrimp are hot to maintain the perfect creamy and juicy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering, Frying, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg