My cousin Rebecca taught me how to make shrimp and grits like they do in North Carolina and now it’s one of Julian’s favorite foods. It’s always a treat when I make this dish and the best part is that it only takes about 20 minutes!

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Shrimp and Grits

Cheesy, delicious, and oh so southern.

Cuisine

Cajun

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Servings

people

Ingredients

Cheesy Grits

• 2/3 Cup Grits
• 3 Cups Milk
• 2 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded (about 1/4 of an 8oz block)

Shrimp

• 1/4 lb bacon cut into tiny pieces (about 1/4 of a normal package of bacon)
• 25 Shrimp medium sized, raw, tail off (I buy them frozen and thaw right before cooking)
• 1/4-1/2 Teaspoon Cajun Seasoning Add 1/4 teaspoon and taste it and then add more if you want more spice
• 1/2 Yellow or Sweet Onion cut into tiny pieces
• 1/4 Cup White Wine Add more for a saucier shrimp. I use whatever I have in my fridge but a good rule is if you don't like how it tastes don't cook with it. Lucky Duck (Walmart's Brand) is a good cheap option.

Cuisine Cajun Cook Time 20 Minutes Servings people Ingredients Cheesy Grits 2/3 Cup Grits 3 Cups Milk 2 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded (about 1/4 of an 8oz block) Shrimp 1/4 lb bacon cut into tiny pieces (about 1/4 of a normal package of bacon) 25 Shrimp medium sized, raw, tail off (I buy them frozen and thaw right before cooking) 1/4-1/2 Teaspoon Cajun Seasoning Add 1/4 teaspoon and taste it and then add more if you want more spice 1/2 Yellow or Sweet Onion cut into tiny pieces 1/4 Cup White Wine Add more for a saucier shrimp. I use whatever I have in my fridge but a good rule is if you don't like how it tastes don't cook with it. Lucky Duck (Walmart's Brand) is a good cheap option.

Instructions

Cheesy Grits

1. Measure the grits and milk into a large microwave safe bowl. Stir to combine. You will want the bowl to be much bigger than the grits and milk, otherwise it will overflow on you.
2. Microwave for 5 minutes. Start the shrimp at this point while the grits are in the microwave. Stir and return to microwave for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir again, breaking up any dry clumps of grits and return to microwave for 5 more minutes. At this point the grits should have a creamy, cooked consistency. Add the cheese and stir to combine until all of the cheese is melted. If the grits are dry and not creamy add a little more milk until they are no longer dry. This will vary depending on your microwave power.

Shrimp

1. Chop the bacon up into tiny pieces (I like to use my scissors for this, makes it easier to cut). Place in a frying pan and cook over medium heat until slightly brown, almot fully cooked but not quite. Remove from pan, leaving all of the grease behind.
2. Fry the onion in the bacon grease until translucent and cooked through. While the bacon or onion is cooking thaw the shrimp.
3. Place the shrimp in a strainer and run cool water over the shrimp to thaw. Go not use hot water or they will start to cook.
4. Once the onion is done add the thawed shrimp, cajun seasoning, and wine to the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes, making sure to flip the shrimp and cook until they are pink throughout. Add the bacon, being careful not to burn it. Taste the sauce and add more cajun seasoning for a spicier/saltier flavor.
5. Serve over cheesy grits and enjoy!