How to Make Classic Shrimp and Grits at Home

Shrimp and grits is a beloved staple of Southern cuisine, originating from the Low Country of coastal South Carolina. Over time, it has evolved from a humble fisherman’s breakfast to a dish found on restaurant menus across the country. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this comfort classic, learning how to make shrimp and grits at home is easier than you might think especially when following chef-inspired techniques.

The Secret to Perfect Shrimp and Grits

At its core, shrimp and grits is a simple dish, but the key lies in choosing the right ingredients and mastering a few essential cooking methods. Here’s how to get it right every time.

Start with Stone-Ground Grits

The foundation of this dish is the grits, and stone-ground varieties are the gold standard. They have a coarser texture than instant or quick-cooking grits, which allows them to hold their structure and absorb flavors beautifully. Plus, their deeper corn flavor gives the dish its signature richness.

To prepare:

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps.

• Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits absorb the water and reach a creamy consistency.

• Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.

Cook the Bacon and Build Flavor

A hallmark of great shrimp and grits is the savory, smoky depth provided by bacon. Start by frying 6 slices of chopped bacon until browned, then drain and set aside. Be sure to reserve the bacon drippings in the pan you’ll use them to cook the shrimp and infuse the dish with even more flavor.

Sauté the Shrimp Just Right

Using the leftover bacon fat, sauté 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp just until they turn pink about 2 minutes per side. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy without overcooking.

Create a Bright, Aromatic Sauce

Once the shrimp are nearly done, add:

• 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice for acidity and brightness

• The reserved crispy bacon

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

• 1 cup thinly sliced scallions

• 1 minced large garlic clove

Sauté everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Assemble and Serve

Spoon the creamy cheese grits into serving bowls, then top generously with the shrimp and bacon mixture. For a heartier meal, you can also stir the shrimp directly into the grits.

What to Serve with Shrimp and Grits

This dish pairs perfectly with simple vegetable sides to balance its richness. Some great options include:

• Sauteed spinach or collard greens

• Roasted green beans with shallots and hazelnuts

• A crisp green salad

• Grilled corn on the cob

• Freshly baked buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins for sopping up the sauce

Mastering shrimp and grits at home isn’t complicated when you focus on quality ingredients and classic techniques. The result is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s equally at home on a cozy weeknight dinner table or at a special gathering. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter.