How to Make Shrimp and Grits

In the Southern United States, shrimp and grits has been considered a mealtime staple for decades. Recently, this dish is appearing on many upscale restaurant menus, dressed up and ready for dinner. Prepare this rich seafood entree and discover a meal that is sure to please everyone that loves shrimp.

Things You'll Need

• 2 lb. fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz. instant cheese grits
• 6 cups water
• 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tomato, diced
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 cup canned or fresh sauteed mushrooms (optional)
• 1 tbsp. hickory flavored barbecue sauce
• Ground black pepper to taste (optional)
• Large saute or saucepan for cooking grits
• Medium saute pan for cooking shrimp

Instructions

1. Fry bacon and place strips on a paper towel to absorb any excess drippings. If using refrigerated pre-cooked bacon, cook in microwave according to directions. Set aside. Dice one large red tomato. Set aside.

2. Peel and devein fresh shrimp. Remove heads if heads-on shrimp were purchased. Removing tails is optional. If using frozen shrimp, thaw under warm water and peel if necessary. Saute the prepared shrimp with one tablespoon of hickory flavored barbecue sauce just until flesh of shrimp are opaque and pink. Then add ground black pepper to taste.

3. Saute the fresh mushrooms (optional). Set aside.

4. In large saute pan, bring water to a boil. Stir in instant cheese grits until desired consistency is achieved. Add shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes and crumbled bacon and stir just until mixed.

5. Plate grits first and then top with shrimp. Recipe serves 6 to 8 . For smaller groups, divide the recipe as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a very quick recipe and shrimp cook very fast. Cook shrimp just until the flesh turns opaque and pink. If shrimp cook too long, they can shrink in size and become tough.

• Before preparing this recipe as the sole entree for a dinner party, ask guests about any possible shellfish allergy or dislike of seafood (or prepare an alternative meat, chicken or vegetarian entree just to be safe).