Shrimp and Tasso Grits
Creamy, stone-ground grits topped with a rich, spicy gravy of sautéed shrimp and smoky Tasso ham. A true taste of New Orleans, this dish is the ultimate Southern comfort food, perfect for brunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Grits
- b.In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a simmer over medium heat.
- c.Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits and 0.5 tsp of salt. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes to prevent lumps.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the grits cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
- e.Once the grits are thick, tender, and have absorbed the liquid, remove them from the heat. Stir in 4 tbsp of the unsalted butter and the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy. Keep covered to stay warm.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base
- b.While the grits are cooking, melt the remaining 3 tbsp of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the diced Tasso ham and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the edges are slightly crispy.
- d.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'holy trinity'). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Gravy
- b.Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything.
- c.Pour in the shrimp stock and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- d.Bring the mixture to a steady simmer and cook, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Shrimp and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
- c.Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough.
- d.Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, and the black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Spoon a generous portion of the warm, cheesy grits into four shallow bowls.
- c.Ladle the shrimp and Tasso gravy over the grits.
- d.Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest grits, use stone-ground and stir them often while they cook to prevent lumps.
- 2Tasso ham is spicy and salty. Taste the gravy before adding the final amount of salt.
- 3Pat the shrimp completely dry before adding them to the skillet; this helps them sear nicely without watering down the sauce.
- 4The shrimp cook very quickly. Add them at the very end and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- 5If you can't find Tasso ham, you can substitute with andouille sausage or a good quality smoked bacon.
- 6For a slightly thicker gravy, you can make a roux by adding 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour after cooking the vegetables and before adding the stock.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the shrimp with crawfish tails, diced chicken thighs, or sliced andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning, or serve with your favorite Louisiana-style hot sauce on the side.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms with the holy trinity for an earthier flavor and added texture.
Quick GritsQuick Grits
If you're short on time, you can use quick-cooking grits, but be aware that the texture will be less creamy and traditional. Follow the package instructions for cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Shrimp is a high-quality, lean protein source that is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle. A single serving of this dish provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp is one of the best dietary sources of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid function and a healthy immune system.
Provides B Vitamins
This dish contains various B vitamins, particularly B12 from the shrimp and dairy, which are crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells, helping to combat fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
This dish is a rich and indulgent comfort food. While shrimp provides lean protein, the dish is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium due to the butter, cheese, heavy cream, and Tasso ham. It's best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.