Classic Shrimp & Grits

Classic Shrimp & Grits

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    This recipe is inspired by former MasterChef contestant, Captain Jamie Hough. Captain Jamie cooks up the best Shrimp & Grits in all of Charleston. Him and I did a cooking demonstration at the Wine under the Oaks festival at Boone Hall in 2022. After watching him finesse Shrimp & Grits, I felt like I had to step up my game. Here’s the result!

    Ingredients List

    • 1 cup grits
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ¼ cup grated parmesan
    • 1 stick butter
    • 4 cups vegetable broth
    • ½ white onion, diced
    • 1 bell pepper, diced
    • 2 Tbsp minced garlic
    • 1 cup whole cherry tomatoes
    • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
    • 1 tbsp fresh parsley
    • 2# shrimp*
    • 1 heaping Tbsp tomato paste
    • S&P to taste

    Directions

    1. In a sauce pot, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth, or preferred broth, to a gentle boil.
    2. Stir in grits while whisking vigorously. Once the grits are smooth and no longer clumping, let simmer until grits thicken.
    3. Turn off heat and add parmesan, ½ stick butter, and salt.
    4. Add 1 Tbsp butter to a separate sauté pan and turn heat to medium high.
    5. Once hot, add onions and stir until translucent. Add peppers & garlic.
    6. Add your herbs & cherry tomatoes until they blister.
    7. Add tomato paste & incorporate**
    8. Add your peeled & deveined shrimp and cook until just firm & pink.
    9. Remove from heat and taste. Add more salt if desired.
    10. Plate your grits in a bowl, top with your shrimp and enjoy!

    *Pro Tip: Buy shell-on shrimp and peel them yourself. Then use the shells to create a stock that you can add to the grits.

    **Pro Tip: If you’d like to thicken up your “gravy” & add some depth, add some heavy cream at this step.


    Recipe courtesy of Charleston Chef Service.