Shrimp and cheesy grits is a delicious dish that combines seafood, grits, bacon, mushrooms, and spices, with the added taste of cheddar cheese.
It is hearty enough to serve as a main entree, and can be modified to suit various tastes. The recipe for the grits is a quick version.
Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
Ingredients:
2 lbs. unpeeled, medium-size raw shrimp (31/40 count)
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
5 bacon slices, chopped
1 (8-oz.) package sliced fresh mushrooms (or larger)
3 garlic cloves
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
2 tsp. hot sauce
½ tsp. salt
Quick Creamy Cheddar Cheese Grits
Directions:
1. Peel shrimp; devein, if desired. Toss shrimp with flour until lightly coated, shaking to remove excess.
2. Cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in a skillet.
3. Sauté mushrooms in hot drippings 4 minutes or just until mushrooms begin to release their liquid. Add shrimp and sauté 3 to 3-1/2 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute (do not brown garlic). Add lemon juice and next 3 ingredients; serve immediately over Quick Creamy Cheddar Cheese Grits. Sprinkle with bacon.
Quick Creamy Cheddar Cheese Grits
Ingredients:
4 Tbsp. butter
4-1/2 cups milk
4-1/2 cups water
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. hot sauce
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 cups quick-cooking grits
1 (10 oz.) block sharp white Cheddar cheese, grated (regular Cheddar cheese can also be used)
Directions
1. Bring 2 Tbsp. butter, 4-1/2 cups water, 4-1/2 cups milk, salt, hot sauce, and garlic to a boil in a medium-size Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in grits, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese and remaining 2 Tbsp. butter until melted. Serve immediately.
This recipe for grits makes 8-1/2 cups, which is a lot! This recipe can be halved if needed.
Enjoy!
