Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and downright comforting, Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits is your new best friend! This Southern classic combines juicy shrimp with creamy, buttery grits, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds. Did you know that Shrimp and Grits was originally a breakfast dish for fishermen in the Charleston area of South Carolina? Talk about humble beginnings! What makes this dish so special is its ability to turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

If you love this dish, you’ll definitely want to check out my recipe for Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes—another Southern staple that’s deliciously comforting! So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe for Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits—you won’t regret it!

What is Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits?

You might be asking yourself, “What is this mouthwatering dish called Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits?” Well, the name says it all! Originating from the Lowcountry region of the southeastern United States, specifically South Carolina, this delightful dish celebrates the bountiful seafood available in coastal areas. Picture creamy, dreamy grits topped with perfectly sautéed shrimp, all drizzled with a savory sauce. You might even wonder who came up with the idea of pairing shrimp and grits. The classic saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” rings true here, as this dish has won over many hearts and appetites over generations. So, why wait? Grab your apron and let’s whip up some Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits!

Why You’ll Love This Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

One of the main highlights of Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits is its luxurious, creamy texture combined with the tender flavor of shrimp, making it utterly irresistible. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a great way to save money by cooking at home instead of dining out. Imagine treating yourself to the restaurant experience without the hefty price tag!

The addition of rich toppings like garlic, butter, and sometimes even a spicy kick elevates the dish, making every bite a burst of flavor. Besides, if you enjoy this creamy dish, you should definitely explore other seafood recipes on the blog—like a zesty shrimp taco bowl—that will satisfy your cravings as well. So let’s get cooking and bring a little Southern comfort to your kitchen!

How to Make Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

Quick Overview

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits is an easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for a weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering. The standout features, like the buttery grits and succulent, seasoned shrimp, guarantee that this dish will be a crowd-pleaser!

Key Ingredients for Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

To make your delicious Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, gather the following ingredients:

• Grits: 1 cup (preferably stone-ground)
• Water or broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable)
• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1 small, diced
• Bell pepper: 1 small, diced (red, green, or yellow)
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chives or green onions: For garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Grits: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil. Slowly add 1 cup of grits while stirring continuously. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring until creamy. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss everything together.
4. Serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto plates or bowls and top with the sautéed shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh finish!

What to Serve Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits With

To complement your Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, consider adding a fresh garden salad or some crispy collard greens on the side. You might also enjoy a light, tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish. For drinks, why not pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a fruity lemonade? Your meal will be complete, and your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touches!

Top Tips for Perfecting Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

• Grits Matter: Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor. They may take a bit longer to cook, but the results are well worth it!
• Season Your Shrimp: Don’t shy away from seasoning. Let your shrimp soak up the flavors with your favorite spices for a more aromatic dish.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the shrimp; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Just cook them until they’re pink and tender.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until warmed through, or you can reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp mixture separately from the grits for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as noted.

Give Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits a try in your kitchen today! You’ll not only enjoy a taste of the South but also impress friends and family with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

A comforting Southern classic that combines juicy shrimp with creamy, buttery grits, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Grits

• 1 cup grits (preferably stone-ground) Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor.
• 4 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons butter For flavoring the grits.
• Salt and pepper to taste seasoning

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon butter For sautéing the shrimp.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Method

 

Cooking the Grits

1. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil.
2. Slowly add 1 cup of grits while stirring continuously.
3. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring until creamy.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, and season with salt and pepper.

Preparing the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cooking the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss everything together.

Serving

1. Spoon the creamy grits onto plates or bowls and top with the sautéed shrimp mixture.
2. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh finish!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through, or warm gently on the stovetop. For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp mixture separately from the grits for up to 2-3 months.