There is something incredibly comforting and indulgent about this Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Lemon Recipe that makes it a standout in any kitchen. Picture sweet, succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious lemony sauce, nestled atop velvety, buttery grits that are rich with cream cheese and butter. The smoky crispiness of bacon adds that perfect crunch and depth of flavor, bringing the whole dish together in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a celebration of Southern soul food done right, guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy appetites with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients work in perfect harmony to elevate this Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Lemon Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy base of the grits to the bright zing of lemon and the smoky bacon that adds extra depth to the dish.
- 4 cups water: The base for cooking your grits perfectly creamy and tender.
- 1 cup old fashioned grits: Provides that hearty Southern foundation with a comforting texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors in the grits and shrimp.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess and richness to the grits.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings a silky smooth mouthfeel to the grits.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Delivers smoky crispiness that accents both shrimp and grits.
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp, fresh bite and vibrant color.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the shrimp with aromatic depth and zest.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein providing tender, juicy bites.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Perfect for seasoning the shrimp gently but effectively.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the shrimp.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the flavorful sauce for the shrimp.
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth: Forms the savory base for the sauce that clings to each shrimp.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Introduces a bright, refreshing acidity to balance the richness.
- Hot sauce: Offers a kick of heat to awaken the palate and elevate flavors.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Make the Grits
Begin by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and stirring in 1 teaspoon of salt. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps for a perfectly smooth texture. Lower the heat, cover loosely, and let them simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. This slow cooking creates that signature creamy consistency that forms the heart of this dish.
Step 2: Enrich the Grits
Once the grits are tender, stir in chunks of cream cheese and butter. The cream cheese melts into the warm grits adding silkiness and tang, while the butter ensures ultra-richness. Stir until everything is melted and combined, making these grits totally irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease behind in the skillet—this flavorful fat is going to build the base for your shrimp sauce.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Shrimp
In the skillet with the bacon grease, add thinly sliced green onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Meanwhile, season the peeled shrimp with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet, cooking for about 3 minutes until they turn pink and are just shy of fully cooked. Then, transfer the shrimp off to the plate with the bacon.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Whisk the flour into the broth in a small bowl to create a smooth mixture. Pour this into the skillet, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom—those bits are packed with flavor. Turn heat down to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and a few dashes of hot sauce for a zingy, spicy brightness. Return the shrimp to the pan and combine everything well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
To plate, spoon the creamy grits onto each dish, then ladle the warm shrimp and lemony sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of crispy bacon pieces and a touch more sliced green onion for color and texture contrast. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and steaming hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped parsley can brighten and freshen the dish’s look and taste. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving amps up the flavor complexity beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with something light and crisp on the side like a simple arugula salad to cut through the richness. Alternatively, some roasted seasonal vegetables or steamed asparagus offer a lovely textural contrast to the creamy shrimp and grits.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grits in individual ramekins topped with the shrimp and sauce tableside. Or build a layered parfait in a clear glass with grits on the bottom, shrimp in the middle, and crispy bacon and herbs on top for an eye-catching presentation at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld well overnight, but the creamy texture is best when fresh, so plan to enjoy leftovers soon.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture of both the shrimp and creamy grits can become grainy or watery once thawed and reheated, which diminishes that lovely creamy experience.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the grits if they thicken too much. Stir frequently to warm the shrimp and sauce without overcooking the shrimp, preserving their tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits for this recipe?
While quick-cooking grits save time, old fashioned grits provide a superior texture and creaminess that really bring this Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Lemon Recipe to life. If you’re in a hurry, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Large peeled and deveined shrimp work best here because they cook quickly and stay tender. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp are both excellent choices.
How spicy is this dish?
The hot sauce adds a gentle kick rather than overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount or omit it based on your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce without gluten.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This dish is better enjoyed fresh for peak flavor and texture, but you can prepare the grits and shrimp separately and assemble just before serving to make it easier on a busy day.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Lemon Recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. The luscious, creamy grits paired with bright, tender shrimp and crispy bacon create a dish that feels both hearty and elegant. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and treat yourself to a little Southern-inspired magic that comforts the soul and delights the senses.
Print
Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Bacon and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern comfort food, this Shrimp and Grits recipe combines creamy, cheesy grits with succulent, flavorful shrimp cooked in a savory bacon and garlic sauce. Perfect for a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or dinner, the dish features tender grits enriched with cream cheese and butter, topped with shrimp sautéed with green onions, garlic, and a zesty lemon-hot sauce gravy, finished with crispy bacon pieces for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup old fashioned grits
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Grits: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of old fashioned grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently until the grits reach the desired tenderness and creamy consistency.
- Add Cream Cheese and Butter: Cut 2 ounces of cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into chunks. Stir them into the hot grits until completely melted and combined, creating a smooth and rich base.
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook 4 slices of chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan and discard or save the rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the thinly sliced green onions to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Season 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet with the aromatics, adding additional bacon grease if needed. Cook shrimp until pink and just shy of done, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp to the plate with the bacon.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into 1 cup of chicken or seafood broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, whisking to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Shrimp and Sauce: Stir in the juice of 1 lemon and a few dashes of hot sauce into the thickened sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto plates and top with the shrimp and sauce. Garnish with crispy bacon pieces and extra sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The old fashioned grits take longer to cook but develop a better texture; instant grits can be used for a quicker version but with less creaminess.
- Save extra bacon grease to use in other recipes for added flavor.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
- Use seafood broth instead of chicken broth to enhance the shrimp flavor in the sauce.
- Stir the grits frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and lumps.
