If you have been searching for a soul-satisfying meal that is both comforting and packed with layers of bold flavors, then this Shrimp and Grits with Bacon, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. Imagine creamy, dreamy grits infused with cream cheese and butter, topped with perfectly seared shrimp swimming in a luscious sauce brightened by garlic, lemon, and just the right amount of heat, all crowned with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. It’s a classic Southern favorite that feels fancy yet comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for everything from a weekend brunch to a cozy weeknight dinner with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe highlights simple but essential ingredients that each bring their own magic. Every element adds something unique—be it creaminess, tang, crunch, or savory depth—creating a perfectly harmonious dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting.
- 4 cups water: The base for cooking grits to tender, creamy perfection.
- 1 cup old fashioned grits: The star grain offering that rich, hearty texture classic to this dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the recipe.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess to the grits for silky smoothness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the grits and balances the flavors.
- 4 slices bacon (chopped): Crispy, smoky goodness to scatter atop the dish.
- 5 green onions (thinly sliced): Fresh, mild onion flavor to brighten the shrimp and the finale.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides an aromatic foundation and subtle bite to the sauce.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The tender protein star that soaks up all the beautiful flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the shrimp just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the lemon-garlic sauce, creating richness.
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth: The liquid base for the sauce that ties everything together.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brings a bright, zesty lift that balances the richness perfectly.
- Hot sauce: Adds a delightful kick to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
How to Make Shrimp and Grits with Bacon, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Grits
Start by bringing the water to a boil in a large pot and adding the salt — this ensures the grits are seasoned from the beginning. Slowly whisk in the grits to avoid lumps, then lower the heat and cook the grits gently, stirring frequently for about 20 to 25 minutes until they reach your desired creamy consistency. To finish, mix in chunks of cream cheese and butter, stirring until melted; this step makes the grits incredibly smooth and decadent.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Prepare the Pan
While the grits are cooking, crisp up the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Once perfectly crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan to build flavor in the following steps, but reserve the extra grease for another delicious use. Turn the heat to medium-high for the shrimp and aromatics to come.
Step 3: Sauté Green Onions and Garlic
Add the thinly sliced green onions to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant — these aromatic veggies start layering the flavors that will make your Shrimp and Grits with Bacon, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. If the pan feels dry, splash in a bit more bacon grease to keep everything nice and flavorful. Cook the shrimp for around 3 minutes until they turn pink and are just about cooked through—don’t overcook them, as they’ll continue cooking in the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
Transfer the shrimp off to the plate alongside the bacon. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and chicken or seafood broth until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet. Stir any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you whisk to combine perfectly. Lower the heat and simmer the sauce until it thickens beautifully. Finish by stirring in fresh lemon juice and a few good dashes of hot sauce to brighten and add a gentle kick. Toss the shrimp back into the sauce and stir to coat, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Spoon generous helpings of the creamy grits onto warm plates, then ladle the shrimp and the vibrant lemon garlic sauce over the top. Scatter the crispy bacon pieces and some extra sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and crunch. Serve immediately for a dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
How to Serve Shrimp and Grits with Bacon, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For that final flourish, extra crispy bacon and green onions are absolute essentials. They add texture and a fresh bite that perfectly offsets the creamy grits and tangy sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over just before eating adds an invigorating brightness that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
While this dish is wonderfully complete on its own, serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables helps balance the richness. A crusty bread or garlic toast also pairs delightfully, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that lemony sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Shrimp and Grits with Bacon, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce Recipe to guests, consider plating it in individual shallow bowls or rustic cast-iron skillets for a cozy, inviting presentation. Topping it with microgreens or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a splash of color and flavor to elevate your serving game.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp and grits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and sauce separate from the grits if possible to maintain texture and flavor quality.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because grits tend to change texture when thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh or freeze the shrimp and sauce separately, then freshly cook grits when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. For the grits, warm them slowly in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess, stirring until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of old fashioned?
Yes, quick-cooking grits can be used to save time, but they might have a slightly different texture. Old fashioned grits provide that classic hearty bite that pairs wonderfully with the sauce and shrimp.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the grits?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream. Each will keep the grits creamy, but the flavor will be a bit different, so choose based on your preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce without gluten.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The heat mainly comes from the hot sauce, which you can easily adjust to taste. Start with a few dashes and add more only if you want a bolder kick—this way, everyone enjoys it just how they like it.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes, peeled and deveined frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear and avoid excess water in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Grits with Bacon, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort food made elegant, rustic flavors elevated to a delicious dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing this with friends, it promises warm smiles and a full belly every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a weekend favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Shrimp and Grits with Bacon, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern comfort dish featuring creamy, cheesy grits topped with tender, succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful bacon and garlic sauce. This shrimp and grits recipe is perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner, combining rich textures and zesty flavors with a touch of heat from hot sauce.
Ingredients
Grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup old fashioned grits
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Shrimp and Sauce
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Grits: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the salt. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, loosely cover, and simmer, stirring frequently for 20 to 25 minutes until the grits reach your desired tenderness and consistency.
- Add Cream Cheese and Butter: Cut cream cheese and butter into chunks and stir them into the hot grits until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy base.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. Discard or save the remaining bacon grease for another use.
- Sauté Green Onions and Garlic: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the sliced green onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet, adding additional bacon grease if needed. Cook for about 3 minutes until shrimp are pink and nearly cooked through. Remove shrimp to the plate with the bacon.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and broth until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet, whisking and scraping the bottom to combine with the onion and garlic bits. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Shrimp: Stir lemon juice and hot sauce into the sauce. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and combine well. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the hot, creamy grits onto plates. Top with the shrimp and sauce, then sprinkle with the crispy bacon pieces and extra sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use old fashioned grits for the best creamy texture; quick grits may not cook the same.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot sauce to your liking.
- You can substitute chicken broth with seafood broth or stock for more flavor.
- Keep stirring the grits during cooking to prevent them from sticking and clumping.
- For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Make sure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best texture and taste.
