Southern inspired lightened up shrimp and grits recipe

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a hearty, comforting, and indulgent meal that showcases the depth of flavors and textures found in Southern cuisine. However, traditional shrimp and grits recipes can be high in calories and fat, making it a challenge for those who want to indulge without the guilt. This is where the lightened up Southern inspired shrimp and grits recipe comes in.

To make this dish, you will need medium to medium-high heat, black pepper, and a teaspoon of salt to prepare the quick grits. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates rich and cheesy grits that are sure to please. For the shrimp mixture, you will need bacon grease, hot sauce, unsalted butter, green onions, andouille sausage, cherry tomatoes, and jumbo shrimp. Adding cayenne pepper and garlic powder infuses the dish with tons of flavor.

This recipe is versatile and allows for customization to suit your taste. You can add Cajun shrimp or spicy shrimp for an extra kick, or even air fryer coconut shrimp for a tropical twist. Leftover shrimp can be used as well, making it a great way to use up any extra ingredients you have on hand. The dish can be served in shallow bowls or stored in airtight containers for a quick and easy meal prep option.

With its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, this lightened up shrimp and grits recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s a perfect way to indulge in a classic dish while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why it’s a dish that has stood the test of time?

What Makes This Recipe Lightened Up

Shrimp and grits might be a classic southern dish, but it’s not always the healthiest option. Traditional versions of this dish are often loaded with heavy cream, bacon fat, and cheese. That’s why we’ve created a lightened up version that still delivers all the flavor of the classic dish, without all the extra calories.

To start, we use quick cooking grits instead of regular grits. Not only do they save a ton of prep time, but they also have fewer calories and less fat than the traditional version. To make our cheesy grits, we use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and chicken broth instead of heavy cream. This gives us the same creamy texture and cheesy flavor, but with a fraction of the calories.

For our shrimp mixture, we use a small amount of bacon grease instead of bacon fat. This gives us that smoky, slightly salty flavor that we love, without all the added fat. We also add plenty of fresh shrimp to the dish, which is packed with lean protein and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.

To add some heat and flavor to the dish, we season the shrimp with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onions. The addition of andouille sausage also gives us some extra flavor and spice, without adding too many calories.

Overall, this lightened up version of shrimp and grits still delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of the classic dish, but with fewer calories and less fat. It’s the perfect way to indulge in a southern comfort food favorite while still being mindful of your health.

Ingredients

When it comes to Southern-inspired cuisine, few dishes are as iconic as shrimp and grits. This classic dish is a staple in many Southern kitchens, and for good reason – it’s a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy grits and succulent, spicy shrimp.

To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. For the grits, we recommend using quick cooking grits instead of regular grits. These grits cook up faster and have a smoother texture, making them the perfect base for our cheesy grits.

To add some flavor to the dish, we use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and chicken broth. The cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the grits, while the chicken broth provides a subtle, savory undertone that complements the shrimp perfectly.

For the shrimp mixture, we start by cooking a bit of bacon grease in a medium-high heat pan. This gives us that smoky, slightly salty flavor that we love, without all the added fat. We then add a variety of seasonings, including cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onions, to give the shrimp some extra heat and flavor.

In addition to the shrimp, we also add andouille sausage to the dish. This sausage is a staple in Southern cuisine and adds tons of flavor and spice to the dish. If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you can use a milder sausage.

Finally, we finish the dish off with some fresh green onions, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of hot sauce. The green onions and cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, while the hot sauce provides a bit of heat and tanginess.

Overall, the combination of ingredients in this Southern-inspired lightened up shrimp and grits dish makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking up this delicious southern inspired lightened up shrimp and grits recipe. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Cook the quick cooking grits according to the package instructions. Instead of using water, use chicken broth for added flavor. Once the grits are cooked, stir in some sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream to create those delicious cheesy grits.

2. In a separate pan, cook the andouille sausage until browned. Set the sausage aside and use the same pan to cook the shrimp. Add the bacon grease to the pan and let it heat up for a couple of minutes.

3. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink. Then add in some garlic, onions, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create that spicy cajun flavor.

4. Once the shrimp are fully cooked, add the andouille sausage back into the pan and stir to combine all the flavors.

5. To serve, spoon the cheesy grits into shallow bowls and top with the shrimp and sausage mixture. Garnish with green onions, cherry tomatoes, and hot sauce, if desired.

That’s it! This southern inspired lightened up shrimp and grits recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. Make sure to store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where they’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of the south!

Preparing the Grits

When it comes to southern-inspired dishes, few are as cherished as shrimp and grits. Grits are a Southern staple, and there are countless variations on the classic dish. In this recipe, we’re going to show you how to make lightened up shrimp and grits that are still packed with flavor.

First, let’s talk about the grits. Traditional grits are made by simmering ground cornmeal in water or milk until the mixture thickens. But we’re going to use quick cooking grits to save time. To make the grits even more flavorful, we’ll use chicken broth instead of water.

Simply follow the package instructions to cook the grits. Make sure to stir them constantly, so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. When the grits are fully cooked, add in some sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream to create those delicious cheesy grits that we all love.

If you prefer regular grits, feel free to use them instead of quick cooking grits. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time. Regular grits take longer to cook, but they’re worth the extra effort.

While the grits are cooking, you can start preparing the shrimp mixture. We’ll cook the shrimp in bacon fat to add tons of flavor. And don’t worry, we’re using just a little bit of bacon fat, so it’s not too unhealthy.

When the bacon grease is hot, add in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Then add in some garlic, onions, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create that spicy cajun flavor. Once the shrimp are fully cooked, add in some andouille sausage and stir to combine all the flavors.

To serve, spoon the cheesy grits into shallow bowls and top with the shrimp and sausage mixture. Garnish with green onions, cherry tomatoes, and hot sauce if desired.

With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy a lightened up version of this classic dish. The cheesy grits and flavorful shrimp mixture combine to make a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. So next time you’re craving shrimp and grits, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.