Shrimp with Cheese-Grit Cakes and Bacon Vinaigrette

Name: Shrimp with Cheese-Grit Cakes and Bacon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups milk; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup quick grits; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar; Salt and freshly ground pepper; Tabasco; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for brushing; 4 ounces lean bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice; 2 small shallots, minced; 1 small celery rib, minced; 1 scallion, finely chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; 1 teaspoon chopped thyme; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Barbecue spice mix or Cajun seasoning, for dusting; 1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined

Servings: persons

3 1/2 cups milk
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup quick grits
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Tabasco
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
4 ounces lean bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 small shallots, minced
1 small celery rib, minced
1 scallion, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Barbecue spice mix or Cajun seasoning, for dusting
1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined

1
Lightly oil a 9-inch-square glass baking dish.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer with half of the garlic.
3
Slowly whisk in the grits over moderate heat until very thick, 3 minutes.
4
Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheddar.
5
Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco.
6
Pour into the dish and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
7
Let stand until firm, 30 minutes.
8
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil.
9
Add the bacon; cook over moderate heat until crisp.
10
Add the shallots, celery, scallion, red pepper, parsley, thyme and the remaining garlic and cook, stirring, until the shallots are softened, about 2 minutes.
11
Off the heat, stir in the vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire and a few dashes of Tabasco.
12
Season with salt and keep warm.
13
Heat a grill pan and brush with oil.
14
Cut the grits into 12 squares and dust on both sides with barbecue spice mix.
15
Cook over moderate heat until crisp, about 2 minutes per side.
16
Keep the grit cakes warm in a low oven; keep the grill pan hot.
17
Brush the shrimp with oil, season with salt and pepper and dust with barbecue spice mix.
18
Grill the shrimp in the pan over moderately high heat until lightly charred and just cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes per side.
19
Arrange the shrimp and grit cakes on plates, drizzle the bacon vinaigrette on top and serve right away.

725

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

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

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

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

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 1/2 cups milk, 5 garlic cloves, minced, 1 cup quick grits, 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar, and more.

Yes, Shrimp with Cheese-Grit Cakes and Bacon Vinaigrette falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!