Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate Southern comfort dish that's about to revolutionize your dinner routine! This pan-seared grits with spiced shrimp and bacon recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines creamy, rich grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp and crispy bacon. Imagine a dish so irresistible that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the grits. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the broth is boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are thick and creamy. If the grits become too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- While the grits are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. If desired, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to incorporate the flavorful bits left in the pan.
- Once the grits are fully cooked, stir in the crispy bacon and adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. If the grits are too thick, add a little more broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- To serve, spoon the creamy grits onto plates or into bowls. Top with the spiced shrimp and any remaining bacon. For an extra touch, you can garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy your pan-seared grits with spiced shrimp and bacon, a delicious Southern-inspired dish that is sure to impress!
Tips
- Prevent Lumpy Grits: Always whisk grits slowly into boiling liquid and stir frequently to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Bacon Fat is Flavor Gold: Cook your bacon first and use the rendered fat to sauté your shrimp for an extra layer of delicious flavor.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Watch for the color change - shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
- Consistency is Key: Keep your grits creamy by adding extra broth if they become too thick. The perfect grits should be smooth and slightly runny.
- Seasoning Matters: Don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning, but taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped green onions or parsley can add a bright, fresh note to this rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 211kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 160mg
