Carolina Shrimp With Creamy Grits Recipe

Name: Carolina Shrimp With Creamy Grits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the grits; 4 cups water, plus additional as necessary; 3 3 cups half-and-half or 3 cups heavy cream; 2 cups grits, not instant; 4 -8 tablespoons unsalted butter; salt & freshly ground black pepper; freshly cracked black pepper; For the shrimp; 6 tablespoons bacon drippings (from about 1/2 pound bacon); 3 medium onions, halved and sliced into thin wedges; 16 large shrimp, peeled (peeling optional); freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 lb country ham, cut into matchstick-size strips; 2 cups madeira wine; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 pinch nutmeg (optional); 3 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (such as chives, chervil, thyme and a little cilantro)

Servings: persons

For the grits
4 cups water, plus additional as necessary
3 3 cups half-and-half or 3 cups heavy cream
2 cups grits, not instant
4 -8 tablespoons unsalted butter
salt & freshly ground black pepper
freshly cracked black pepper
For the shrimp
6 tablespoons bacon drippings (from about 1/2 pound bacon)
3 medium onions, halved and sliced into thin wedges
16 large shrimp, peeled (peeling optional)
freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 lb country ham, cut into matchstick-size strips
2 cups madeira wine
2 cups heavy cream
1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
3 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (such as chives, chervil, thyme and a little cilantro)

1
Heat 4 cups water and milk (or half n half or heavy cream) over medium heat to a simmer.
2
Stir in the grits using a wooden spoon; cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
3
Reduce heat and cook, stirring (and scraping) frequently, to prevent the grits from sticking, 30 minutes (you probably will need to add additional water).
4
Remove from heat, stir in butter, season with salt and pepper; cover to keep warm.
5
Heat 3 tablespoons bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium heat.
6
Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized (golden brown), about 25 minutes; remove to a plate and set aside.
7
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings over medium heat.
8
Season shrimp with pepper and add to skillet; cook for one minute.
9
Add ham and cook another minute; transfer to plate and set aside.
10
Return onions to skillet, add Madeira and simmer about 20 minutes until reduced to less than 1/2 cup; watch carefully because once it starts to reduce it will evaporate very quickly.
11
Add cream and nutmeg, if using, simmer until it reduces by about half again.
12
Return shrimp and ham, add fresh herbs, season with pepper if needed.
13
To serve, divide the grits among individual plates and spoon the shrimp and sauce over the top.

2020

kcal

Calories

166

Fat

Carbs

119

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For the grits, 4 cups water, plus additional as necessary, 3 3 cups half-and-half or 3 cups heavy cream, 2 cups grits, not instant, and more.

Yes, Carolina Shrimp With Creamy Grits falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Carolina Shrimp With Creamy Grits

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions