Is Shrimp and Grits Gluten Free? Your Complete Guide to This Southern Comfort Dish

Hey y’all! I’ve been cooking Southern food for years, and one question I get asked all the time is whether shrimp and grits is gluten-free. Let me break it down for you real quick – the answer is YES, shrimp and grits can totally be gluten-free when made properly! But there’s some important stuff you need to know to keep it safe and delicious.

The Basic Components: Breaking Down Shrimp and Grits

Are Grits Naturally Gluten-Free?

Here’s the deal with grits

• Traditional stone-ground grits are made from corn, which is naturally gluten-free
• But not all grits are created equal! Some quick/instant grits might contain additives with gluten
• Cross-contamination during processing is also something to watch out for

Pro Tip: Stick with certified gluten-free grits brands to be 100% safe. I personally love using brands like Bob’s Red Mill or Delta Blues Rice Grits (which are actually made from rice instead of corn – cool alternative, right?).

What About the Shrimp?

Plain shrimp is naturally gluten-free, but here’s what you gotta watch for:

• Avoid breaded shrimp (obviously!)
• Check any marinades or seasonings
• Be careful with pre-packaged shrimp that might have additives
• Make sure they’re cooked in a clean pan to avoid cross-contamination

Making Gluten-Free Shrimp and Grits: Tips and Tricks

Key Ingredients to Watch

When making gluten-free shrimp and grits, keep an eye on these ingredients:

1. The Grits Base:

• Use certified gluten-free stone-ground grits
• Check your chicken stock/broth (some brands contain gluten)
• Make sure your dairy products are gluten-free (most are, but better safe than sorry!)

1. The Shrimp Sauce:

• Use gluten-free bacon (some varieties have gluten-containing additives)
• Check your seasonings and spice blends
• Avoid flour-based thickeners (use cornstarch instead)

My Favorite Gluten-Free Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe that never fails me

Ingredients

• 1 cup certified gluten-free grits
• 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free verified)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4-6 slices gluten-free bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Butter, garlic, and seasonings to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook grits in a mixture of broth and milk until creamy
2. Cook bacon until crispy, set aside
3. Sauté shrimp in bacon fat with garlic and seasonings
4. Stir cheese into grits
5. Top cheesy grits with shrimp and crumbled bacon

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Listen up! Here are some mistakes I’ve learned the hard way:

1. Restaurant Ordering:

• Always ask about cross-contamination
• Check if they use dedicated cooking surfaces
• Ask about their stock/broth ingredients
• Verify the grits are pure corn-based

1. Home Cooking:

• Don’t assume all grits are gluten-free
• Watch those sneaky seasonings
• Clean cooking surfaces thoroughly
• Keep gluten-containing ingredients separate

Tips for Dining Out

When you’re craving shrimp and grits at a restaurant:

• Call ahead to ask about gluten-free options
• Speak directly with the chef if possible
• Ask about preparation methods
• Request clean cooking surfaces and utensils

The Bottom Line

Y’all, shrimp and grits can absolutely be gluten-free and delicious! Just remember:

• Use certified gluten-free grits
• Check all ingredients carefully
• Be mindful of cross-contamination
• When in doubt, make it at home where you control the ingredients

Remember: While I’m sharing what I’ve learned, always check with your doctor or dietitian if you have serious gluten concerns or celiac disease.