Pin It A Southern classic: tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served atop creamy, cheesy grits comforting, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or dinner.
I first made this shrimp & grits for a lazy Sunday brunch with friends, and it quickly became a requested favorite. The garlic butter transforms the shrimp, and the creamy grits make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- Stone-ground grits: For the creamiest texture and flavor
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or water): Cooking liquid for grits
- Whole milk: Adds richness to the grits
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into the grits for cheesy flavor
- Unsalted butter: For both the grits and garlic butter sauce
- Kosher salt: Seasoning for both grits and shrimp
- Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Main protein
- Smoked paprika: Depth of flavor for the shrimp
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds heat if desired
- Olive oil: Sautéing shrimp
- Garlic, minced: Key aromatic in the butter sauce
- Scallions, thinly sliced: Brings sharp freshness and as garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For color and freshness
- Lemon juice: Finishes the sauce with brightness
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2025 minutes, until creamy and thickened.
- Add Cheese & Seasonings:
- Stir in cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Toss shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 12 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add scallions and cook for 1 minute.
- Finish Shrimp:
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat.
- Serve:
- Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra scallions and parsley.
Pin It This dish always reminds me of family gatherings in the South, where we would all crowd together around the table for cozy, homecooked dinners full of laughter and love.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (milk, cheese, butter). If sensitive to gluten, check labels on broth and cheese.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 32 g per serving.
Pin It Savor each spoonful of this comforting Southern favorite and make it your new go-to brunch or weeknight dinner classic.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve creamy grits consistency?
Slowly simmer stone-ground grits in a mixture of chicken broth and milk, stirring occasionally until thickened and smooth, then finish with butter and sharp cheddar for richness.
- → What seasoning pairs well with shrimp in this dish?
Smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne pepper add a subtle smoky heat that complements the garlic butter sauce and creamy grits.
- → Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, quick-cooking grits can be used for a faster preparation time, but adjust liquid levels and cooking time accordingly to maintain a creamy texture.
- → What is the best way to cook the shrimp for this dish?
Sauté shrimp in olive oil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, ensuring they remain tender before tossing with the garlic butter sauce.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of this dish?
Add a dash of hot sauce or crumble cooked bacon on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.