#CharlestonEats

[diningcondanielle]

The seafood in Charleston continued at @rappbarchs ! I got the SOB Peach Tea drink and it was one of the best cocktails I’ve had. We then split a dozen oysters and I got the paella (also some of the best I’ve had). Finally, we celebrated @terricoopersmith ‘s birthday with some chocolate tres leches. Another incredible Charleston meal! 🦪🥘 . . . #charleston #charlestoneats #charlestonsc #charlestonfood #southern #southernfood #oysters #lobster #crab #seafood #foodie #foodstagram #foodporn #alwayshungry #coolfoodies #forkyeahfoodies #foodietravel #foodietravels (at Rappahannock Oyster Bar - Charleston, SC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CosO9eNLXn8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[trailtales1]

Charleston Shrimp & Grits: So Savory, You Won’t Need a Restaurant

Shrimp and grits, the quintessential Southern comfort food, have been elevated to an art form in Charleston, South Carolina. The dish combines creamy, buttery grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp, often accompanied by bold flavors like smoky andouille sausage or tangy tomato gravy. While Charleston is brimming with restaurants serving world-class shrimp and grits, nothing beats the joy of recreating this iconic dish in your own kitchen. With the right ingredients and a bit of Southern know-how, you can whip up a meal so delicious it will transport you straight to the Holy City, no reservations required.

Why Shrimp & Grits Is the Heart of Charleston Cuisine

Charleston's food scene is a melting pot of cultural influences, shaped by the region's rich history and coastal geography. Shrimp and grits began as a humble fisherman’s breakfast, with freshly caught shrimp sautéed in butter and served over stone-ground grits. Over time, it evolved into a dish celebrated by chefs and home cooks alike. The city's emphasis on farm-to-table dining and fresh, local seafood has cemented shrimp and grits as a symbol of Charleston’s culinary pride.

Recreating Charleston Shrimp & Grits at Home

Here’s how you can make a restaurant-quality shrimp and grits dish in the comfort of your kitchen:

Ingredients:

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)

1 cup heavy cream

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chicken or shrimp stock

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Grits:

Bring water (or broth) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits to avoid lumps.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in butter, cream, and cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Cook the Shrimp:

In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Add onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until soft. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and paprika.

Add shrimp to the pan and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Pour in the stock and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in lemon juice.

Assemble the Dish:

Spoon the creamy grits onto plates or shallow bowls. Top with the shrimp mixture and garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

A Taste of Charleston at Home

Cooking shrimp and grits at home not only allows you to customize flavors but also brings a piece of Charleston’s charm to your table. Whether you're a Charleston native or simply an admirer of Southern cuisine, this dish invites you to savor the best of the city’s culinary heritage.

Explore Charleston Through Shrimp & Grits

Charleston’s cobblestone streets, historic homes, and coastal vistas create the perfect backdrop for its vibrant culinary culture. The city’s passion for local ingredients and time-honored recipes shines in every bowl of shrimp and grits.

For an authentic Charleston experience, take a stroll through the Charleston City Market, where local vendors offer everything from artisanal grits to freshly caught shrimp. Visit the South Carolina Aquarium to learn more about the marine life that inspires Charleston’s seafood-focused cuisine. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during the annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival, don’t miss the opportunity to sample shrimp and grits prepared by the city’s top chefs.

Conclusion

Charleston shrimp and grits embody the soul of the Lowcountry: warm, welcoming, and bursting with flavor. By mastering this recipe at home, you can enjoy the essence of Charleston no matter where you are. Pair it with sweet tea or a crisp white wine, and you’ll have a meal that rivals any restaurant experience.

[frodesigns]

One Week in Charleston, South Carolina Travel Guide Beach Food Restaurants

Discover the hidden gems of Charleston, South Carolina with our ultimate one-week travel guide. From beachside relaxation to mouthwatering foodie hotspots, this city has it all.

[jims-fabulous-carnival]

What TO DO and where TO EAT in CHARLESTON, SC!!! Calling all foodies and adventurers. Get ready to explore the vibrant streets of Charleston, SC. Check out our top recommendations for both sightseeing and indulging in the best local cuisine. Let the adventure begin.

[videntebenahavis]

Travel & Food Guide - Charming Charleston, South Carolina //

Discover the hidden gems of Charleston, South Carolina with our ultimate Travel & Food Guide. From historic landmarks to mouthwatering dishes, this charming city has it all.

[ghxstloser]

13 Reasons All Foodies Should Put Charleston On Their Travel Bucket List Get ready to tantalize your taste buds. Check out these 13 mouthwatering reasons why Charleston is a foodie's paradise.

[daeneryus]

Where to eat, drink, play, and stay in Charleston, South Carolina Explore the charms of Charleston, South Carolina with our ultimate guide to where to eat, drink, play, and stay.

[bienaldolivrosp]

13 Reasons All Foodies Should Put Charleston On Their Travel Bucket List

Calling all food lovers. Charleston is serving up some serious culinary delights that will have you drooling. Discover the 13 delicious reasons why you need to add this city to your foodie bucket list.

[spainkitty-mishassweetestkittles]

Travel & Food Guide - Charming Charleston, South Carolina //

Get ready to be mesmerized by Charleston, South Carolina's enchanting streets and delectable cuisine. Our Travel & Food Guide is your key to unlocking the hidden treasures of this charming destination.

[castinovak]

What TO DO and where TO EAT in CHARLESTON, SC!!!

Craving a memorable getaway? Look no further than Charleston, SC. Uncover the city's charming streets filled with mouthwatering eats and captivating experiences. Discover the perfect blend of food and adventure.

[restaurantdaddy]

Restaurant Daddy . . . . #restaurantmakeover #restaurantdesign #restaurantlife #restaurantrepair #restaurant #restaurantdaddy #cheflife #chsbars #chseats #chef #charlestoneats #chseats #foodtruck #foodtruckbuilder #chsfoodtrucks #restaurantuer #holycityeats #charlestonrestaurants #charleston #mtpleasant #restaurantowner #barowner #chefowner #pizza #barbuilder #restaurantbuilder (at Charleston, S.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2jWkzWh49u/?igshid=1vdkrmx6des7l

[diningcondanielle]

Charleston’s food scene did not disappoint!! @ansoncharleston was one of our favorites. We got the roasted oysters (I could have had 20 of these), she crab soup, lobster tagliatelle, and brussel sprouts. Everything was amazing and I can’t get enough of the seafood here! 🦪 🦞 . . . #charleston #charlestoneats #charlestonsc #charlestonfood #southern #southernfood #oysters #lobster #crab #seafood #foodie #foodstagram #foodporn #alwayshungry #coolfoodies #forkyeahfoodies #foodietravel #foodietravels (at Anson Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CopQ9vTLjQ1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lawsonrobertsevents]

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Brilliant heavy hors d’oeuvres bring offers this evening. . . . . #explorenyc #happyhour #foodporn #charlestoneats #chseats #charlestoneventplanner #nyceventplanner #cocktailparty #fundraiser #lawsonroberts (at Muse Restaurant & Wine Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw782a_hZLs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nxf502slqgq6

[aubs90]

Another amazing dinner at R Kitchen 🤤 • Salad with radish, grapes, watermelon, sweet corn, and seared capocollo. • Yukon gold potatoes roasted and smashed with garlic aioli with bacon and cheese. • Duck sous-vide with sweet corn parmesan purée with roasted and fresh baby heirloom tomatoes. • Sausage, cheese, and ritz cracker stuffed pottablello mushrooms with a white balsamic reduction. • Marinated skirt steak with roasted pepper,corn, and onions with a chimichurri sauce. • #charleston #charlestoneats #rkitchen #foodie #stuffed #istillateacookiewhenigothome (at R Kitchen)

[christopherdaddy-blog]

The Gnarly pizza at D’allesandro’s in downtown Charleston. #foodphotography #foodofinstagram #southernfood #southcarolina #charleston #downtowncharleston #charlestoneats #oc (at Charleston, South Carolina)

[shuckerpaddy]

Dig that #Chonky maile & SaltMarsh oysters of South Carolina! #JustKeepOnShuckin’ Posted @withregram • @oysterpointseafood Here's one of our local Kiawah Cups, up close and personal. These guys are as wild as it gets - the snowflakes of our marsh! No two wild oysters are alike in their patterns, their fanning patterns and shape. 📸: @rubyriotcreatives . . . .  #thelifeofanoysterman #thesecretlifeofoysters #kiawahcups #oysterpointseafood #charlestonfoodie #charlestonfood  #charlestonsc #charlestonlife #charlestoneats #charlestonliving #charlestonblogger #explorecharleston #historiccharleston #charlestonstyle #downtowncharleston #chs #charlestonly #madeincharleston #charlestonscene #charleston_daily #shoplocalchs #discovercharleston #chslove #tasteit #sustainableseafood #chswineandfood #charleston #marshtotable @charleston_daily @explorecharleston @charlestonsc @chascitypaper @postandcourtier @chswineandfood @charlestonmag @historiccharlestonfoundation @chstoday https://www.instagram.com/p/CM4TUQ0hW8m/?igshid=v5y5tocqlm6z