Shrimp & Grits Recipe
pink shrimp, country ham, peppers, caramelized onions, tomato, stone ground grits
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Ingredients
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Grits
Shrimp & Topping
Method
Grits
- 1
- 2
Add grits
Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to the simmering liquid to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low.
- 3
- 4
Finish grits
Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup grated sharp cheddar, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper until melted and creamy. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Shrimp & Topping
- 5
Caramelize onions (if not prepped)
If you don't have pre-caramelized onions, thinly slice 1 large yellow onion and cook in a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and sweet, about 25–30 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt. Set aside. (If using prepped caramelized onions, warm them briefly in the pan.)
- 6
Cook country ham
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced country ham and cook until edges are crisp and fat renders, about 3–4 minutes. Remove half the rendered fat from the pan if it seems excessive, leaving enough to flavor the dish.
- 7
Sauté peppers and garlic
Add the sliced yellow and red bell peppers to the skillet with the ham and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- 8
Add spices and tomatoes
Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.25 tsp cayenne, and 1 tsp Old Bay or Creole seasoning. Add the diced Roma tomato and cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes begin to break down.
- 9
Deglaze and make sauce
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken stock and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and stir to create a glossy sauce. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- 10
- 11
Finish and garnish
Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp sliced green onions (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper or a pinch more cayenne if desired.
- 12
Assemble and serve
Spoon a generous portion of the warm cheesy grits into shallow bowls. Top with a portion of the shrimp, peppers, ham and sauce. Finish with extra chopped parsley and green onions. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
