Soul Food Shrimp And Grits Recipe
Shrimp and grits is a classic soul food dish that is usually served for breakfast or brunch. In my recipe, the shrimp are cooked in a Cajun sauce with bacon and andouille sausage and served over grits. It is simply delicious!
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Ingredients
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Grits
Shrimp & Sauce
Method
Grits
Finish grits
When grits are creamy and cooked, remove from heat and stir in 2 tbs unsalted butter, 1 cup grated sharp cheddar, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust salt. Keep warm, stirring occasionally.
Shrimp & Sauce
Prep shrimp
Pat 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with 1/4 tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Cook bacon and sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 oz diced smoked bacon. Cook until fat renders and bacon is crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate and reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Add 6 oz sliced andouille to the skillet and brown for 2–3 minutes until edges caramelize. Remove and set aside with bacon.
Sauté vegetables
If needed, add 1 tbs olive oil and 2 tbs butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Add 1 finely chopped small yellow onion, 1/2 diced bell pepper, and 1 chopped celery stalk. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Build the sauce
Stir in 1 tbs tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbs Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp cayenne (if using). Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer gently for 4–6 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
Finish sauce with proteins
Return cooked bacon and andouille to the skillet. Stir and simmer 1–2 minutes. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side (shrimp will turn pink and opaque). Do not overcook. Stir in 1 tbs lemon juice and adjust seasoning with remaining 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste) and additional pepper if needed.
Finish and garnish
Turn off heat and stir in 2 tbs chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust for acidity or heat (add more lemon or cayenne as desired). Keep warm until ready to serve.