Ultimate Shrimp and Grits Recipe by Chef John

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 0.25 cup water
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white grits
• 0.5 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced green onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare all the necessary ingredients.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until almost crispy, flipping occasionally, for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, keeping the bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water, cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. In a pot, combine 4 cups water, butter, and 1 teaspoon salt; bring to a rolling boil. Whisk in the grits, then reduce heat to low and simmer until creamy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese.
5. In a large bowl, season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
6. Heat the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Flip the shrimp, add jalapeño, and cook until you can smell the aroma, approximately 30 seconds.
7. Add the cream mixture, bacon, green onion, and garlic to the shrimp mixture; cook and stir until the shrimp are fully cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes, adding water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
8. Spoon the cheesy grits into a bowl and generously top with the flavorful shrimp and sauce mixture.

Nutrition

• Calories: 434 kcal
• Fat Content: 20 g
• Fiber Content: 1 g
• Sugar Content: 1 g
• Sodium Content: 1499 mg
• Protein Content: 30 g
• Cholesterol Content: 226 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 33 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g