Jack Fry's Shrimp and Grits with Red Eye Gravy

Indulge in Southern comfort with Jack Fry's Shrimp and Grits with Red Eye Gravy—a flavorful fusion of creamy, cheesy grits and perfectly seasoned shrimp swimming in a rich, coffee-infused bacon gravy. This iconic dish combines bold spices like cayenne and paprika with velvety sharp cheddar grits made irresistible by a touch of heavy cream. The red eye gravy, simmered from brewed coffee and crispy bacon drippings, adds a smoky depth that elevates every bite. Topped with a burst of freshness from green onions and finished with a bright splash of lemon juice, this recipe is a hearty, soul-satisfying centerpiece perfect for brunch, dinner, or any occasion. Ready in just under an hour, this restaurant-quality dish is an impressive yet approachable way to bring classic Southern flavor to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 cups Chicken stock
• 1 cup Instant grits
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 4 slices Cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 0.5 cup Brewed coffee
• 2 stalks Green onions (sliced for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp Paprika (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the instant grits. Reduce heat to low and cook according to package instructions (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Stir the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of butter into the grits. Mix until smooth and creamy, then cover and keep warm.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 5

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep them warm.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the crumbled bacon and brewed coffee. Cook over medium heat, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate the browned bits. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture slightly reduces to create a rich gravy.

Step 7

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat them in the Red Eye Gravy. Finish with a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 8

To serve, spoon a generous helping of cheesy grits onto each plate. Top with shrimp and drizzle with Red Eye Gravy. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of paprika.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1888.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2155.0

Total Fat 140.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Cholesterol 1258.4mg	0%
Sodium 5305.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 50.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g	0%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 179.6g	0%

Vitamin D 835.1IU	0%
Calcium 1242.9mg	0%
Iron 24.6mg	0%
Potassium 1739.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.9%

Protein: 32.9%

Carbs: 9.2%