Description
A flavorful Southern dish featuring tender shrimp and creamy grits, seasoned with Cajun spices and topped with crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 6 slices bacon
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ bell pepper (minced)
- ½ white onion (minced)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Green onion (chopped, for garnish)
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 cup quick grits
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the grits: Combine the water and milk in a pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grits and butter, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer for about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in the cheese. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then chop and set aside. Leave some bacon grease in the skillet, cook shrimp with Cajun seasoning for about 2 minutes, then remove from skillet.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper and onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Mix in seasonings: Add smoked paprika, salt, and remaining Cajun seasoning to the vegetables, pour in the chicken broth, and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Return shrimp to the skillet and combine for 1 more minute.
- Serve: Layer grits in serving bowls, top with shrimp and vegetable mixture, ladle over broth, and finish with green onions, parsley, and bacon bits.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Adjust spices according to personal heat preference.