Mains: Shrimp and Grits

Who doesn't love an amazing main course? These are some delectable mains from all around the world!

The first main I want to share with you is one of my favorites. I have had this dish in many restaurants and thought it would forever be just a restaurant dish for me. I never would've ever attempted this years ago, but after all the other stuff I have tried to cook I decided to give it a go. I thought it would be really complicated, but it wasn't and the flavors were amazing! It was well worth the effort, it takes a little time and there are a few steps.  Even if you think you can't I promise you can...

Not Your Ordinary Shrimp and Grits

First things first, this ain't your ordinary shrimp and grits. What makes it spectacular is that the grits are fried! Yep lived in Alabama all my life and never heard of fried grits. I will honestly say even if I am just cooking a little breakfast for the weekend, after having this, I much rather have my cheese grits fried. It gives a whole new texture and taste to the common bowl of grits.

Let's start with the grits. You will need:

    A Bag of Instant Grits

    At least a cup of Cheddar Cheese (or whatever cheese you like in your grits)

    1 Cup Panko Crumbs

    1 Cup Flour

    Oil for frying

    A couple of Eggs

    Salt and Pepper to your liking

 Follow the directions on your bag for cooking your grits. When they are done to your liking add you a cup or two of the cheddar cheese and stir it in really good. I prefer sharp cheddar but that is all about what you like. 

 Take a square baking dish and smear butter all over the bottom and sides. Then spread your grits into the dish. You want them to be at least an inch thick but I make mine a little thicker. This is where the most time takes place. Put them in the fridge for a couple hours or even over night. They gotta be cold when you fry 'em up.

 After they have gotten good and cold, take them out of the fridge and cut them into squares. You will pour about half a cup of flour in a bowl and in another bowl pour you about half a cup of your Panko Crumbs. In another bowl crack a couple eggs and use a fork to stir them up real good. This is your spectacular dip before you fry.

 Go ahead and start heating a little bit of oil in a fry pan. It needs to be enough to cover about half the side of your grit cake. Watch your oil, don't let it burn. 

 Take one square and coat the top, sides, and bottom in flour, dip it in the egg-coating all of it really good. Hold it up and let the excess egg drip of f into your bowl. Next coat it with the Panko Crumbs. Give it a little shake and place it into your hot oil to fry. Watch it close, it only takes a few minutes to cook. Brown each side and VOILA you are done with your grits. I place them on a cookie sheet and let them sit in a warm oven while I cook my shrimp.

What you'll need for your Shrimp

    4 Slices of Bacon

    10 to 12 Plump, Raw, Deveined, Shrimp (I prefer tails off )

    1/2 to 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic (fresh or from a jar)

    1 Cup Heavy Cream

    1 Shallot Chopped

     Some Chopped Parsley 

    1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (if you like it hot)

     Creole Seasoning the way you like it

     Salt and Pepper the way you like it 

    

 This is really easy and really quick. Chop up your bacon and throw it in a fry pan. Get it as brown as you like it. Leave it all in the pan, even the grease. Throw in your garlic and shallots, brown them up just a bit. Throw in your Shrimp, Red Pepper Flakes ( if you want it spicy), and all your seasonings. Stir the shrimp around in all that yummy, flip them to give each side a taste of  love. Just as your shrimp are turning pink, turn your heat down and slowly pour in the cream. Stir it around until it all starts to thicken up. Just as you are about to finish throw in your parsley and give it one more good stir. 

 WOOOOHOOOO you just made yourself a fine dining experience in your very own kitchen. Last- create your masterpiece. Stack you a couple grit cakes on a plate and pour as much of that sauce and shrimp over those grits as you want. 

  Give it a taste and let us know in the comments what you think, post your pictures, and anything you did to make it your own!