Ina Garten’s Irresistible Shrimp and Grits Recipe – Southern Charm

Ina Garten’s shrimp and grits represent a classic Southern comfort meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Coastal flavors dance across a creamy canvas of stone-ground goodness, promising warmth and satisfaction in every delectable bite.

Seafood enthusiasts and comfort food lovers will appreciate this sophisticated yet approachable recipe that balances rich textures with bold seasonings.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky dimension, while sharp cheddar cheese melts into silky grits, creating an irresistible harmony of tastes.

Fresh green onions provide a bright, zesty contrast that cuts through the dish’s luxurious richness.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-quality meal with just a few carefully selected ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Ina Garten’s Shrimp and Grits

• Unleash Creamy Comfort: This recipe delivers an ultimate Southern-style comfort dish with incredibly smooth, rich grits that melt in your mouth, creating a luxurious base for perfectly seasoned shrimp.
• Quick and Effortless Gourmet Cooking: Requiring just 30 minutes and basic ingredients, this recipe transforms simple components into an impressive meal that looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant, making home cooks feel like professional chefs.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Adventure: The combination of crispy bacon, tender shrimp, and velvety cheese-infused grits provides a delightful contrast of textures that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
• One-Skillet Wonder: By using the same skillet for bacon and shrimp, the recipe maximizes flavor development and minimizes cleanup, making it a practical and delicious solution for weeknight dinners or weekend brunches.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Shrimp and Grits

• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid base for creamy grits with deep flavor profile.
• Milk: Adds richness and smooth texture to the grits.
• Butter: Provides richness and silky mouthfeel for the grits.
• Grits: Classic Southern cornmeal ingredient creating creamy base of dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances flavors.

• Shrimp: Sweet seafood protein that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with grits.
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture as a garnish.
• Bacon Grease: Natural cooking fat with deep, rich flavor for sautéing.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into grits for extra creamy and tangy dimension.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and completes seasoning for shrimp.

Making Ina Garten’s Shrimp and Grits Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Grits Base

Combine chicken stock, milk, and butter in a medium pot. Bring to a gentle boil and add a pinch of salt. Whisk in grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grits become smooth and velvety. Remove from heat and keep covered.

Step 2: Crisp Bacon Bits

Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop into small, crunchy pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 3: Season and Sauté Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté shrimp in reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Cook until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, approximately 2 minutes per side.

Step 4: Create Shrimp Sauce

Add remaining butter and chicken stock to the skillet. Stir until butter melts and liquid warms through, creating a light, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Finish Grits

Fold shredded cheese into the grits until completely melted and incorporated.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Spoon creamy grits onto plates. Top with sautéed shrimp and drizzle with pan sauce. Sprinkle chopped bacon pieces and sliced green onions on top.

Serve immediately and enjoy this Southern-inspired comfort dish!

Expert Tips for Shrimp and Grits Success

• Maximize Flavor Potential: Choose large, wild-caught shrimp for a richer, more authentic seafood taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Perfect Grits Technique: Whisk constantly while cooking to break down any lumps and create an ultra-creamy, silky smooth consistency.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for sharp white cheddar or aged gruyère to add depth and complexity to the classic Southern comfort food.
• Spice It Up Smartly: Blend Cajun seasoning or a dash of smoked paprika into the shrimp for an extra kick of flavor that complements the creamy grits.
• Texture Magic: Allow the shrimp to develop a slight golden-brown crust when sautéing to lock in moisture and create a delightful caramelized exterior.

Storing Your Shrimp and Grits Leftovers

• Refrigerate Promptly: Transfer leftover shrimp and grits into a tightly sealed glass or ceramic container within 2 hours of cooking. Glass prevents flavor absorption and maintains dish integrity better than plastic containers.
• Freeze Strategically: Separate shrimp and grits into individual portions before freezing to prevent texture degradation. Use freezer-safe containers with minimal air exposure, which prevents freezer burn and preserves taste quality.
• Reheat Carefully: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy grits consistency and prevent seafood from becoming rubbery.

Southern-Inspired Twists on Shrimp and Grits

• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace salt and pepper with Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor profile. Add diced jalapeños to the shrimp for extra heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap bacon for chorizo and incorporate feta cheese into the grits. Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky Southern Style: Use smoked gouda cheese in the grits and add andouille sausage alongside the bacon. Include a splash of bourbon in the shrimp sauce for deep, rich undertones.
• Coastal Light Version: Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter base. Use Greek yogurt instead of butter to reduce fat content, and add lemon zest to brighten the overall dish's flavor profile.

One Last Spoonful: Ina Garten’s Shrimp and Grits Summary

Southern comfort embraces warmth with Ina Garten’s shrimp and grits – a classic dish celebrating coastal culinary traditions.

Creamy cheese-infused grits create luxurious foundations for succulent shrimp dancing with crispy bacon notes.

Garten’s recipe transforms humble ingredients into sophisticated southern charm.

Simmering stock, melting butter, and perfectly seared shrimp weave delicious narratives on plates across kitchens.

Complex flavors merge seamlessly, offering sensory journeys through Southern hospitality.

Salt-kissed shrimp nestled atop silky cheese grits invite passionate connections – so share this delectable experience, comment with southern spirit, and spread deliciousness across digital landscapes.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp meet rich Parmesan and roasted garlic in this Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight. Quick and elegant, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will impress guests with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails intact)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Oils and Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal temperature for roasting succulent shrimp.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine of large shrimp with of olive oil, of finely minced garlic, of Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly toss the ingredients to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the aromatic marinade.
3. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, carefully spreading the seasoned shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
4. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp, creating a golden, crispy topping that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully until the shrimp transform into a delicate pink color and become translucent, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted shrimp, adding a bright, citrusy dimension to the dish.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant pop of color and additional herbaceous flavor.
8. Serve immediately while hot, presenting the shrimp as an elegant appetizer or as a protein-rich accompaniment to pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

• Prep this crowd-pleasing dish in under 20 minutes with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Shrimp cook lightning-fast, transforming from translucent to perfectly pink within moments.
• Fresh ingredients make all the difference, especially when selecting plump, high-quality jumbo shrimp.
• Parmesan cheese creates a deliciously crispy golden crust that elevates this simple seafood recipe.
• Versatile recipe works wonderfully as a quick weeknight dinner or elegant party appetizer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 278 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: <1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg