Shrimp & Grits from Bahama Breeze features tender, seasoned shrimp sauteed to perfection, served atop creamy, buttery grits, garnished with fresh scallions and smoky bacon bits, offering a harmonious blend of savory flavors and smooth, comforting textures.
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 green onions (scallions)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
When selecting shrimp for this dish, choose large, fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp to ensure tender texture and optimal flavor. Stone-ground grits provide a coarser texture that contributes to the creamy, buttery base, so avoid instant grits for authenticity. Using chicken broth instead of water can enhance the overall depth of flavor in your grits. Fresh scallions and smoky bacon bits add essential flavor contrasts, balancing the richness with a fresh and savory kick. Your homemade Shrimp & Grits from Bahama Breeze copycat menu will closely replicate the harmonious blend of savory flavors and smooth textures found in the original dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the grits:
- a. In a saucepan, bring water (or chicken broth) and milk to a simmer.
- b. Slowly whisk in stone-ground grits.
- c. Reduce heat, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and tender (per package instructions).
- d. Stir in butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the bacon:
- a. Place bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat.
- b. Cook until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- c. Once cooled, chop into small bits.
- Prepare scallions:
- a. Wash and thinly slice green onions, separating green and white parts.
- Season the shrimp:
- a. In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté the shrimp:
- a. Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
- b. Add seasoned shrimp and cook, turning as needed, until pink and opaque (2-3 minutes per side).
- c. Stir in sliced white parts of scallions for the last minute of cooking.
- Assemble the dish:
- a. Spoon creamy grits into serving bowls.
- b. Arrange sautéed shrimp over the grits.
- c. Garnish with bacon bits and green parts of scallions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Shrimp & Grits from Bahama Breeze copycat menu delivers a savory seafood dish with creamy, cheesy grits and smoky bacon enhancing the tender shrimp. If stone-ground grits are unavailable, quick-cooking grits can be substituted, though texture may be slightly less creamy. Chicken broth in place of water infuses the grits with deeper flavor, while any white fish can replace shrimp if preferred. Your choice of sharp cheddar can be swapped for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack to reduce sharpness without compromising creaminess. Use a non-stick skillet instead of a heavy large skillet for easier shrimp sauteing and cleanup.
Tips
Make sure to stir the grits occasionally to prevent lumps and sticking to the bottom of the saucepan while cooking. When seasoning the shrimp, evenly coat each piece for consistent flavor and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure they saute properly. Use tongs to turn the shrimp gently, cooking them just until pink and opaque to avoid toughness. Your dish will be best enjoyed fresh, so serve the shrimp and grits immediately after assembling, garnished with bacon bits and scallions for optimal texture and flavor.
Nutritions
Shrimp & Grits from Bahama Breeze provide a rich source of high-quality protein from the shrimp, supporting muscle health and satiety. The dish includes stone-ground grits made from whole corn, offering complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber for sustained energy and digestive benefits. Butter and cheddar cheese contribute calories and fat, including saturated fat, while adding calcium for bone strength. Your meal also delivers essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and iron from the scallions and paprika, enhancing immune function and oxygen transport.
Storage
To store your Shrimp & Grits properly, place leftover shrimp and grits in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the shrimp separate if possible to avoid over-softening the grits and consume within 2-3 days for best quality. When reheating, gently warm the grits on low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat shrimp quickly to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting andouille sausage for the bacon to add a spicier, smoky depth that complements the shrimp. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the grits for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing flavor. You can also swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack or smoked gouda to introduce a different cheesy profile. To enhance the shrimp's flavor, marinate them briefly in lemon juice, garlic, and cayenne pepper before sauteing.
Allergies
Your Shrimp & Grits dish contains shellfish, specifically shrimp, which is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of dairy from whole milk, unsalted butter, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese may also trigger allergies related to lactose intolerance or milk protein sensitivity. Additionally, bacon and seasonings may include traces of preservatives or additives that could affect people with specific food sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Shrimp & Grits from Bahama Breeze delights diners with its perfectly seasoned, tender shrimp paired with creamy, buttery grits that capture authentic Caribbean flavors. The dish showcases a harmonious blend of spices and fresh ingredients, making it a standout menu item praised for its rich taste and satisfying texture. Recreating this popular recipe at home allows you to enjoy the vibrant, island-inspired experience while customizing the flavors to your preference. Your copycat version can deliver restaurant-quality flavor, providing a rewarding cooking challenge and a delicious meal.