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Barbecued Bourbon Shrimp With Cheddar Cheese Grits Recipe

Indulge in this Southern fusion masterpiece! Amber Huffman's award-winning recipe combines succulent grilled shrimp, bathed in a tangy bourbon barbecue sauce, atop creamy cheddar cheese grits. This recipe, a favorite of Jesse Jackson, is a flavor explosion that's sure to impress. The rich grits are perfectly complemented by the sweet and smoky shrimp, creating a dish so delicious, it's garnered multiple marriage proposals (though Amber hasn't said 'yes' yet!). Pair this unforgettable meal with a light-bodied Pinot Noir, like a Kendall-Jackson, for the ultimate culinary experience.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 100 mins
Calories 543.6 kcal
Protein 53g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Barbecued Bourbon Shrimp With Cheddar Cheese Grits

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Barbecued Bourbon Shrimp With Cheddar Cheese Grits

  • Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • Garlic Cloves
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Tabasco Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • Large Shrimp
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • Garlic Clove
  • 1 cup coarse stone-ground grits
  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • Heavy Cream

How to Make Barbecued Bourbon Shrimp With Cheddar Cheese Grits

  1. **Prepare the Bourbon Barbecue Sauce:**
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 40 minutes.
  7. Transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside 1/3 cup for the shrimp; reserve the rest.
  8. **Prepare the Shrimp:**
  9. Season 1 pound of large shrimp with salt and pepper. Brush both sides with the reserved 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce.
  10. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with 1 teaspoon of oil.
  11. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
  12. **Prepare the Cheddar Cheese Grits:**
  13. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional) to a boil.
  14. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of coarse stone-ground grits.
  15. Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 20 minutes.
  16. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
  17. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  18. **Assemble and Serve:**
  19. Spoon the cheese grits onto plates. Top with the grilled bourbon barbecue shrimp and drizzle with the remaining barbecue sauce.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

57 g

Sugar

87g

Fat

66g

Carbs

16g

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Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Granola And Porridge Breakfast Main Dish Eggs Dairy Seafood American Southern United States Easy Grains Crab Cheese Dietary Spicy One Dish Meal Comfort Food Pasta Rice And Grains Shellfish Brunch Taste Mood Presentation Served Hot 4 Hours Or Less Soul