Southern Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits Tips

How do you peel and devein shrimp?

To peel shrimp, cut and pull the head (if it’s still attached) and legs off. Using your thumb, release the shell from the meat by pulling the shell, starting where the legs were attached to the tail. You can leave the last segment of the shell on the tail end for presentation purposes. To devein shrimp, use your paring knife to make a shallow incision down the back of the shrimp to expose the dark-colored string. Use the tip of your knife to slowly lift it up and release it from the meat and discard. Follow this shrimp cleaning guide for more tips!

What do grits taste like?

Grits have a subtle corn flavor and tend to have a neutral taste, which makes them a wonderful base. If you have any grits left over, use them up in these tasty grits recipes.

Are grits and polenta the same?

Although they have similar properties, grits and polenta are not the same. Polenta is typically made from yellow corn and tends to be coarser, while grits usually come from white corn and tends to be smoother.

Are grits gluten-free?

Yes, grits are gluten-free. Raw grits are naturally gluten-free because they derive from corn. Follow our gluten-free guide to learn more about gluten-free foods (it even includes a free printable!).