Kardea's Charleston Shrimp and Grits combines creamy cheddar grits with seared butter shrimp, crispy bacon, and bell peppers for an authentic Lowcountry meal. The dish balances savory, buttery, and slightly smoky flavors in a single bowl.
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat grits gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, and rewarm shrimp separately in a skillet over low heat to prevent toughening.
Common Questions
Can I make the grits ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the grits, transfer to a buttered baking dish, cool, and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven with a splash of milk stirred in, or on the stovetop over low heat.
What's the best way to keep shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook shrimp for only 2–3 minutes per side until they curl and turn opaque. Overcooking toughens them. Use medium or large shrimp, which are more forgiving than small ones.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes. Gruyère, Gouda, or sharp white cheddar work well. Use the same amount and stir it in off heat to prevent stringiness.
How do I know when the grits are done?
They should be creamy and pull away slightly from the pan sides when stirred. Taste for grittiness—if still chalky, simmer 5 more minutes with a splash of milk.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter, milk with unsweetened almond milk, and skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast for umami depth. The texture will differ slightly.
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