Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (950ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 cup (170g) stone-ground grits (not instant)
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (57g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 pound (454g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grits are creamy and thickened (about 20-25 minutes). Stir in butter, cheese, and cream until melted and smooth. Season with pepper. Keep warm.
  2. While grits are cooking, pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
  3. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving bacon fat in the skillet.
  4. Add bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens. Stir in butter and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Spoon grits into bowls. Top with shrimp sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately. Enjoy this Old Charleston-Style Shrimp and Grits!