If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, you know the city is a melting pot of culinary delights. Among the many gems scattered along this buzzing stretch, Bourbon Bar’s Shrimp and Grits stands out as a must-try dish that perfectly blends Southern comfort food with a touch of Vegas flair.
This recipe captures the essence of that iconic dish — creamy, cheesy grits paired with succulent, bourbon-infused shrimp that dance on your taste buds with every bite.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a flavorful dinner, Bourbon Bar’s Las Vegas Strip Shrimp and Grits recipe brings the excitement of Vegas right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is achievable for home cooks looking to impress family or friends with something special.
Dive in and discover why this classic Southern recipe, elevated with a hint of bourbon, is a crowd-pleaser that will have you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bourbon Bar’s Las Vegas Strip Shrimp and Grits is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy grits provide a comforting, smooth base that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the shrimp sautéed in a bourbon-spiked sauce.
The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory notes will transport you to the heart of the South with a modern Vegas twist.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to customize, and full of rich, satisfying flavors. You’ll love how quickly it comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to impress guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dish at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground yellow grits
- 4 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: crispy bacon bits or scallions
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Bowl for mixing
Instructions
- Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the grits thicken and become creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add dairy: Stir in the butter, milk, and cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the shrimp: While the grits cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the bourbon sauce: In the same skillet, carefully add the bourbon and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the bourbon sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon a generous amount of cheesy grits onto each plate, top with the bourbon shrimp mixture, and garnish with fresh parsley and optional bacon bits or scallions.
Tips & Variations
To get perfectly creamy grits, be patient and stir often to prevent lumps and sticking.
- Spice it up: Increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it smoky: Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or add a little smoked paprika to the grits.
- Vegetarian option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Extra richness: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream into the grits before serving.
- Bourbon alternatives: If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, substitute bourbon with apple cider or additional chicken broth and a splash of vanilla extract.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 30 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sodium | 650 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables for balance. For a true Vegas brunch vibe, serve alongside a refreshing cocktail from the Cocktail On Tap Recipes collection.
If you’re looking to round out your meal with something sweet, consider the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe as a decadent dessert or the light and creamy Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe on a side pasta for another layer of comfort.
Conclusion
Bourbon Bar’s Las Vegas Strip Shrimp and Grits recipe is a celebration of flavors that brings Southern comfort and Vegas excitement to your table. With its creamy grits and bourbon-infused shrimp, this dish is perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
The recipe’s flexibility allows you to tweak the heat and richness to your liking, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Cooking this dish at home not only saves you a trip to the Strip but also lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal anytime. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a signature dish beloved by locals and visitors alike.
For more delicious recipes that bring unique tastes to your kitchen, explore our collection and keep the culinary adventure going!
📖 Recipe Card: Bourbon Bar Las Vegas Strip Shrimp and Grits
Description: A savory Southern classic with a Las Vegas twist, featuring spicy shrimp sautéed in bourbon-infused sauce served over creamy cheese grits. Perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil and slowly whisk in grits.
- Reduce heat and simmer grits until thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon butter; keep warm.
- In a skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper; cook until shrimp are pink.
- Pour bourbon into skillet and cook for 2 more minutes to reduce.
- Serve shrimp over cheese grits and garnish with green onions.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 35 g
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