Shrimp Scampi Recipe Guide: Southern Shrimp and Grits & Perfect Wine Pairings

Shrimp Scampi Recipe Guide: Southern Shrimp and Grits & Perfect Wine Pairings

Few dishes capture Southern hospitality and culinary flair quite like Shrimp and Grits. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a wine enthusiast, or simply searching for an unforgettable shrimp scampi recipe, this dish promises bold flavors, creamy textures, and endless pairing possibilities. If you’re looking to elevate your next meal with a show-stopping entrée and the perfect glass of wine, you’ve found the right recipe guide.

Why Shrimp and Grits Deserves a Place in Your Shrimp Scampi Recipe Repertoire

The best shrimp scampi recipe doesn’t always mean Italian fare—with Southern shrimp and grits, you’ll experience the same savory shrimp, rich butter, and a base that soaks up every last drop of flavor. This classic is a staple in any collection of shrimp recipes and is quickly becoming a go-to for foodies seeking easy shrimp recipes that pair beautifully with wine.

Wine lovers, take note: the salty, umami-rich combination of shrimp, bacon, and creamy grits offers a canvas for some of the most exciting wine pairing opportunities. Whether you’re sourcing your wine from Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, or your local shop, this guide will help you discover the best wine for shrimp scampi recipe-inspired dishes like this one.

About This Dish

Shrimp and grits originated as a humble fisherman’s breakfast along the Lowcountry shores of South Carolina and Georgia, where fresh-caught shrimp met stone-ground corn grits for a hearty, satisfying meal. The dish quickly evolved as chefs and home cooks across the South added their own twists—smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and Cajun spices—turning a simple breakfast into a celebrated comfort food now enjoyed for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

What makes shrimp and grits stand out in the world of shrimp recipes is its versatility and its deep connection to Southern culinary tradition. It reflects American food culture’s ability to blend multicultural influences: African, Native American, and European flavors all show up in this bowl.

Today, shrimp and grits is a must-try for anyone exploring healthy shrimp recipes (the dish is naturally gluten-free and high in protein) or looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy shrimp recipe to impress friends and family. With its creamy base, salty bacon, plump shrimp, and gentle heat from Cajun seasoning, each bite is a celebration of texture and taste.

And for wine lovers? The dish’s umami and salty profile makes it the ideal partner for a range of wines—from crisp whites to elegant reds. This flexibility is why you’ll find shrimp and grits on the menu at everything from cozy Southern diners to upscale urban bistros.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

The secret to a memorable shrimp scampi recipe for shrimp and grits lies in the quality and harmony of its ingredients:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish. Fresh, large shrimp provide a sweet, briny flavor and a firm, succulent texture. Seasoned with Cajun spices, they bring a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
• Grits: Traditionally stone-ground, grits serve as the creamy, comforting base. When cooked with chicken broth and finished with butter, cheddar, and cream, they become rich and luscious—perfect for soaking up the shrimp’s savory juices.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty richness. The bacon drippings are used to sauté onions and garlic, infusing every bite with umami and complexity—essential for a true Southern shrimp and grits recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese & Cream: Sharp cheddar cheese and a splash of heavy cream lend the grits their signature creaminess and subtle tang, making the dish decadent without being heavy.
• Onions & Garlic: These aromatics provide a sweet, savory backbone, bridging the flavors of bacon, shrimp, and grits.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices (often including paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs) that gives the shrimp their signature kick. It’s essential for balancing the richness of the grits and bacon.
• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, oniony crunch that lifts the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Chicken Broth: Used for cooking the grits, this boosts the savory depth and ensures every spoonful is full of flavor.

How ingredients influence wine pairing:

• The dish’s salty, umami, and creamy notes pair well with wines that have bright acidity, moderate body, and either citrus or stone fruit flavors.
• Cajun seasoning and bacon call for wines that can handle a bit of spice and smokiness, such as a California Chardonnay or Oregon Pinot Noir.

If you’re searching for an easy shrimp recipe that’s both comforting and sophisticated, this shrimp scampi recipe guide will unlock new flavor dimensions—especially when paired with the right wine.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup Grits
• 6 slices Bacon (diced)
• 4 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cups Chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 stalks Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Finely chop the onion and slice the green onions for garnish. Mince the garlic and set aside. Peel and devein the shrimp, then season them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes until the grits are creamy.
3. Stir 2 tbsp of butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream into the grits. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.
4. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve 1-2 tbsp of bacon drippings in the skillet.
5. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
6. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked. Stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the shrimp and mix well.
7. To plate, spoon a generous portion of grits onto each plate. Top with the shrimp and bacon mixture, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 490 kcal
• Protein: 36.0g
• Fat: 28.0g
• Carbohydrates: 45.0g
• Salt: 2.3g

Dietary Information: Gluten-free, Contains dairy, Nut-free

Perfect Wine Pairings

The secret to pairing wine with Southern shrimp and grits—or any great shrimp scampi recipe—lies in balancing the dish’s creamy, salty, and umami flavors. The shrimp’s sweetness, the bacon’s smokiness, and the grits’ richness call for wines with bright acidity, moderate alcohol, and enough body to stand up to the dish’s intensity.

What wine goes with shrimp and grits?

1. Chardonnay (California & Burgundy)

• Why it works: A classic California Chardonnay (look for unoaked or lightly oaked styles from Sonoma or Napa) offers ripe apple, stone fruit, and citrus notes, plus a creamy texture that mirrors the dish’s grits and cheese. The wine’s acidity cuts through the bacon and butter, while its roundness complements the shrimp.
• Where to find: Widely available at Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, and BevMo. Expect to spend $15–$30 for outstanding value.

2. Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio (Oregon, California, Italy)

• Why it works: This wine’s crisp, refreshing acidity and subtle pear and citrus flavors make it a winning match for shrimp scampi recipe dishes with a touch of spice. Pinot Gris from Oregon offers more texture, while Italian Pinot Grigio is lighter and brighter—both work beautifully with the Cajun kick.
• Where to buy: Total Wine and Trader Joe’s both carry excellent Oregon and Italian options in the $10–$20 range.

3. Sauvignon Blanc (California, Washington, France)

• Why it works: Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty acidity, lemon-lime notes, and herbal edge bring out the freshness in the shrimp and balance the dish’s richness. Choose a California or Washington State bottle for more tropical fruit, or a classic Sancerre from France for flinty elegance.
• Where to shop: Look for bottles in the $12–$25 range at BevMo or local wine shops.

4. Pinot Noir (Oregon, California, Burgundy)

• Why it works: For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir is a versatile pairing for shrimp and grits. Its red berry flavors, subtle earthiness, and soft tannins won’t overpower the shrimp, while its savory notes harmonize with the bacon and spices.
• Where to purchase: Oregon Pinot Noir is a standout—find options at Total Wine and Trader Joe’s from $18–$30.

Pro tip: Use Vinomat to explore more personalized wine recommendations—just enter the dish, and you’ll get curated matches based on your taste and budget.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Mastering this shrimp scampi recipe for shrimp and grits is all about attention to detail:

• Don’t rush the grits: Stir frequently and use good-quality chicken broth for full flavor. Slow-cooked grits are creamier and less likely to be lumpy.
• Season as you go: Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage—especially the grits and shrimp. The right balance of salt, Cajun spice, and black pepper is crucial.
• Use fresh shrimp: Avoid overcooking—shrimp turn rubbery quickly. They’re done when opaque and just curled.
• Crisp the bacon: Render the bacon until deeply golden and crisp, then drain well. This adds both texture and smoky flavor.
• Deglaze the pan: After sautéing onions and garlic, consider a splash of white wine or broth to scrape up flavorful browned bits.
• Creamy, not runny: Grits should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright but creamy enough to mingle with the shrimp sauce.
• Garnish with green onions: Adds freshness and color—don’t skip!

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking shrimp or undercooking grits.
• Using instant grits (opt for traditional or stone-ground for authentic flavor).
• Skipping the seasoning—shrimp and grits should be bold!

Serving Suggestions

Southern shrimp and grits is best served hot, fresh from the pan, for maximum creaminess and flavor. For a restaurant-worthy presentation:

• Plating: Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits into shallow bowls or plates. Top with a heaping scoop of shrimp, bacon, and onions. Garnish with vivid green onions for a pop of color.
• Accompaniments: Serve with warm crusty bread (ideal for sopping up any extra sauce), a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or sautéed greens for a touch of bitterness.
• Wine service: Chill your white wine or lightly cool your Pinot Noir (15–20 minutes in the fridge before pouring). Set the table with sturdy wine glasses to make the meal feel special.
• Ambiance: Light candles, play some jazz or soul, and invite friends or family to linger over the meal—shrimp and grits is all about comfort and connection.

Conclusion

Shrimp and grits is more than just a Southern classic—it’s the ultimate shrimp scampi recipe for food and wine lovers in the United States. Whether you’re searching for easy shrimp recipes or planning your next wine pairing adventure, this dish delivers on flavor, comfort, and culinary excitement. With a little help from Vinomat, discovering the best wine for shrimp scampi recipe-inspired dishes has never been easier. Gather your ingredients, pour a glass, and savor the magic of shrimp and grits at your next meal.