Lulu’s Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please any seafood lover. This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with creamy grits for a delicious and comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
To make Lulu’s Shrimp and Grits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup of stone-ground grits
– 4 cups of water
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
To start, bring the water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the grits are cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Next, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Using the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the broth has reduced slightly. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the flavorful broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits onto a plate and top with the shrimp and broth mixture. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before cooking.
2. Can I substitute instant grits?
While you can use instant grits in a pinch, the texture and flavor will not be as good as using stone-ground grits.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The grits can be made ahead of time and reheated, but the shrimp is best when cooked fresh.
5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp and broth mixture for a spicy kick.
6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute.
7. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon for a healthier option.
8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
You can add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
9. Can I use a different type of meat instead of shrimp?
While shrimp is traditional for this dish, you can substitute it with other seafood like scallops or crab meat.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
The leftovers can be frozen, but the texture of the grits may change slightly upon reheating.
11. Can I use quick-cooking grits?
Quick-cooking grits can be used if you’re short on time, but the texture and flavor will not be as good as using stone-ground grits.