Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp & Grits is the quintessential Low Country meal. Served in the finest restaurants in Charleston and the smallest seaside shacks on the coast, I can't think of a single dish that makes me feel like I'm in South Carolina more than Shrimp & Grits. Please enjoy! 

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-45 minutes

Servings: 4-5

Ingredients:

Grits:

• 4 cups whole milk

• 1 cup quick cook grits

• ½ stick butter

• ¼ cups grated cheddar cheese

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

Sauce and Shrimp:

• 3 strips bacon

• 1 cup diced onion

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 6oz jar tomato paste

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp sugar

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp Old Bay Seafood Seasoning

• ½ cup chopped green onion

• 25 medium to large peeled & de-veined shrimp

• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a medium stock pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium high heat.

2. Add the grits, salt, pepper and butter to the milk and stir until combined. 

3. Cover the pot with a lid, turn off the heat completely and leave the pot sitting on the stove for 7 minutes. Do not open the lid during this time.  

4. After the 7 minutes is up, whisk until smooth. 

5. Add cheese and whisk again. 

6. Once combined, set aside. 

7. Next, in a large pan, sauté bacon strips until crispy.

8. Remove from pan, chop and set aside. 

9. Add onions to remaining bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until onions are translucent.  

10. Add tomato paste, sugar and garlic to onions and stir until heated. 

11. Add shrimp to the pan and sauté for 1 minute over medium heat or until pink. 

12. Remove shrimp and set aside.

13. Add cream, salt, pepper and old bay to the pan and stir over medium heat until sauce beings to thicken. 

14. Remove from heat and add shrimp back to pan.

15. Serve shrimp and sauce over the cheese grits and top with green onions and crumbled bacon. 

16. Enjoy!