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Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Savory Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy Delight

A hearty Southern classic featuring succulent shrimp and rich crab gravy served over creamy grits.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Grits
  • 1 cup coarse grits Make sure to use coarse grits for the best texture.
  • 4 cups water For boiling.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds richness.
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties.
For the Gravy
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For sautéing.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can replace with any vegetable oil if needed.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 whole sweet onion Finely chopped, e.g., Vidalia.
  • 1 cup celery Diced; can replace with fennel.
  • 1 cup red bell pepper Diced; feel free to substitute.
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour Thickens the gravy.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves Chopped.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Chopped.
  • ½ cup dry sherry Adds depth.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Boosts umami flavors.
  • 1 pinch nutmeg Freshly ground.
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference.
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock Can use fish stock or vegetable stock.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Provides richness.
  • 1 pound large shrimp Fresh recommended.
  • 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat Infuses sweetness.

Equipment

  • Non-stick pan
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a non-stick pan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 cup of coarse grits, then reduce the heat to low. Let the grits simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  2. In a Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 finely chopped sweet onion, 1 cup of diced celery, and 1 cup of diced red bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, cooking until a deep brown roux forms, about 30 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of fresh sage and thyme, along with ½ cup of dry sherry and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Gradually add 4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock, whisking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Allow the gravy to simmer for about 15 minutes over low heat. Add 1 pound of large shrimp to the pot, cooking until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes, and gently fold in 1 cup of jumbo lump crab meat.
  6. Dish the warm, creamy grits into bowls and generously ladle the rich Charleston shrimp and crab gravy over the grits. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Stir grits frequently to ensure a creamy consistency.

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