Delicious Pairings For Shrimp Cheese Grits: Exploring Flavorful Options

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern U.S. dish that is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavour. While there are many ways to prepare this dish, it traditionally includes bacon, shrimp, grits, and cheese. The dish is often served with a variety of side dishes, such as collard greens, sauteed spinach, a simple green salad, green beans, or corn.

The key to making delicious shrimp and grits is to pay attention to the grits at the beginning of the cooking process. After adding the grits to boiling water, it is important to whisk them to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Additionally, using a high ratio of liquid to grits will result in the creamiest grits. For the shrimp, dry-brining with salt and baking soda will help keep them plump and moist, while cooking them over high heat will give them a nice brown colour.

How to cook the grits

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken broth/stock (2 cups)
• Milk (2 cups)
• Butter (3-4 tbsp)
• Stone-ground grits (1 cup)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Bacon (6 slices, chopped)
• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
• Scallions (1 cup, thinly sliced)
• Parsley (2-3 tbsp, chopped)
• Garlic (1-2 cloves, minced)
• Lemon juice (4 tsp)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Method

• Cook the grits: Bring the chicken broth/stock to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Add the grits and whisk together. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the grits are soft and creamy, whisking every few minutes. Cover and set aside off the heat – they will continue to soften as they sit.
• Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, chop it into small pieces.
• Cook the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp with cold water and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices. Cook the shrimp in the bacon grease until just cooked – about 2 minutes per side.
• Combine the ingredients: Add butter and chicken broth/stock to the shrimp and stir until melted and the broth is heated. In a separate bowl, stir the cheese into the grits until melted.
• Serve: Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits, making sure to spoon some of the liquid from the skillet over the grits. Sprinkle with the chopped bacon and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

How to cook the shrimp

There are a few ways to cook the shrimp for your shrimp and cheese grits. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing your shrimp and patting them dry with a paper towel. You can also devein the shrimp if they haven't been already. Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices or herbs like chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce for some extra heat.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

For added flavour, cook some bacon until crispy in a separate pan. You can use the bacon grease to cook your shrimp, adding a smoky flavour. Chop up the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat some olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. You can also use the bacon grease from the previous step. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are curled. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook quickly.

Step 4: Make a Sauce (Optional)

For a simple sauce, add some butter and chicken stock or broth to the shrimp. You can also add in some lemon juice for brightness and acidity. Whisk everything together until the butter is melted and the sauce is emulsified.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Finally, combine the shrimp with your prepared cheese grits. You can serve the shrimp on top of the grits or mix them together. Don't forget to garnish with the crispy bacon pieces and some sliced green onions or fresh herbs. Enjoy your delicious shrimp and cheese grits!

How to cook the bacon

Shrimp and cheese grits is a classic Southern U.S. dish. It is a decadent, flavourful, and indulgent meal that is perfect for a special occasion.

To make this dish even more indulgent, it is often served with bacon. Here is a guide on how to cook the bacon to go with your shrimp and cheese grits.

There are several ways to cook bacon, each with its pros and cons. Here is a step-by-step guide to three of the most common methods: cooking bacon on the stovetop, in the oven, and in the microwave.

Stovetop Bacon

Cooking bacon on the stovetop is a classic, quick, and easy way to get crispy, delicious bacon.

Step 1: Place the bacon strips in a cold pan. Do not overlap the strips, but they can be touching as the bacon will shrink as it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the bacon over low heat, flipping and turning the strips regularly to help them brown evenly.

Step 3: When the bacon is crisped to your liking, transfer the strips to a paper towel to drain the excess grease.

Oven-Baked Bacon

Cooking bacon in the oven creates perfectly crispy bacon and is a great option if you are cooking for a crowd or want to multitask in the kitchen.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Lay the bacon slices on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.

Step 4: Cook the bacon for 10 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Check on the bacon after about 10 minutes to ensure it doesn't burn.

Step 5: Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Microwave Bacon

The microwave is a quick and easy option if you only need to cook a few slices of bacon and want to reduce the amount of cleanup required.

Step 1: Place the desired number of bacon slices between two layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.

Step 2: Cook the bacon on high power for four to six minutes, checking regularly to ensure it doesn't burn.

Step 3: Once the bacon is crisped to your liking, transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Tips for Cooking Bacon

• Thicker cuts of bacon will result in chewier bacon, while thinner cuts will be crispier.
• Natural or nitrate-free bacon is a good option, and Niman Ranch is a recommended brand.
• You do not need to add oil when cooking bacon on the stovetop, as the bacon will release its own fat.
• To save the bacon drippings for later use, pour the leftover fat from the pan into a glass jar or metal container and store it in the refrigerator.
• To reduce the bacon smell in your kitchen, leave a dish of plain vinegar on the counter for several hours.

Now that you know how to cook the bacon, it's time to put it all together and enjoy your delicious shrimp and cheese grits with a side of crispy bacon!

What to serve with shrimp and cheese grits

Shrimp and cheese grits is a classic Southern dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking to serve this indulgent meal, here are some side suggestions to round out your feast:

Vegetable Side Dishes

As suggested by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, vegetable side dishes like collard greens, sauteed spinach, a simple green salad, green beans, or corn go well with shrimp and cheese grits. For a more indulgent option, try garlic roasted green beans with shallots and hazelnuts or perfect grilled corn.

Bread

Bread is another great option to serve alongside shrimp and cheese grits, as it can be used to mop up the sauce. Try buttermilk biscuits or blue corn muffins, or provide a loaf of crusty bread for guests to tear and share.

Southern Comfort Food

If you're looking to lean into the Southern theme, consider serving your shrimp and cheese grits with other Southern classics like chicken-fried steak, farm-fresh corn chowder, fried chicken, or Southern hush puppies.

Seafood

If you're serving shrimp and cheese grits as part of a larger seafood feast, consider pairing it with other seafood dishes like andouille sausage and cheddar grits, or shrimp and zucchini fritters with yogurt sauce.

Meat

For meat lovers, shrimp and cheese grits can be served with a variety of meat dishes. Try it with andouille sausage, chorizo, or bacon.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Options

For dairy-free and vegan guests, offer a dairy-free version of shrimp and grits, made with dairy substitutes or omit the cheese altogether. Serve it with sauteed mushrooms or other vegetables like peppers and onions, cooked in bacon fat for extra flavor.

With these suggestions in mind, you're well on your way to creating a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring shrimp and cheese grits as the star!

How to reheat shrimp and cheese grits

Preparation Before Reheating

Before reheating shrimp and cheese grits, it is important to properly store the leftovers and bring them to room temperature. Here are some tips to ensure your reheated dish is just as delicious as the first time:

• To store leftover shrimp and grits, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil.
• Be sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Before reheating, bring the dish to room temperature. This will allow for even reheating. Take the container out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating Methods

There are three main methods for reheating shrimp and cheese grits: using a microwave, an oven, or a stovetop. Each method has its pros and cons, and the one you choose will depend on your personal preference and the tools you have available.

Microwave Reheating

Microwave reheating is the quickest and easiest way to reheat shrimp and grits. To reheat your dish in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through.

To prevent the grits from becoming dry or rubbery, add a splash of milk or water to the grits before reheating to help them retain their moisture.

Oven Reheating

Oven reheating is a great option if you want to reheat a large batch of shrimp and grits. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F and place your shrimp and grits in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminium foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

One advantage of oven reheating is that it can help to maintain the texture of the shrimp and grits better than other methods. However, it does take longer than microwave reheating or stovetop reheating.

Stovetop Reheating

Stovetop reheating is a good option if you want to reheat your shrimp and grits quickly without using a microwave. To reheat on the stovetop, place your shrimp and grits in a non-stick skillet or frying pan with a small amount of liquid (such as milk or water) and heat over medium heat. Stir continuously until heated through.

One benefit of stovetop reheating is that it allows you to control the heat and prevent the grits from becoming dry or rubbery. However, it does require more attention and stirring than other methods.

Maintaining Quality and Flavor

When reheating shrimp and cheese grits, it’s important to maintain the quality and flavor of the dish. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• One of the biggest challenges when reheating shrimp and grits is maintaining the moisture of the dish. To combat this issue, add a small amount of water, milk, or cream to the dish before reheating.
• Stir the dish frequently to ensure that the heat is distributed evenly. This will help to prevent any hot spots from forming, which can cause the dish to overcook in certain areas.
• Finally, when reheating shrimp and grits, it’s important to taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. This may include adding a pinch of salt and pepper, or even a small amount of butter to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Frequently asked questions