Save to Pinterest 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 shrimp & grits for a Sunday brunch, and it quickly became a family favorite. The aroma of garlic butter and cheesy grits always brings everyone to the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Stone-ground grits: 1 cup
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or water): 4 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (plus 4 tbsp for sauce)
- Kosher salt: 1/2 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for shrimp)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (plus 1/4 tsp for shrimp)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 lb
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic, minced: 4 cloves
- Scallions, thinly sliced: 1/4 cup (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
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 20–25 minutes, until creamy and thickened.
- Add Cheese & Butter:
- Stir in cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 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.
- Combine Shrimp & Sauce:
- 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.
Save to Pinterest This was the first meal my dad requested when I came home from college. Now, sharing it at family gatherings brings everyone together for seconds.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula
Allergen Information
Shellfish and dairy present check cheese and broth labels for gluten if highly sensitive
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 32 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Let the shrimp & grits rest a minute before serving for flavors to mingle. Garnish generously for a stunning presentation.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What type of grits works best for this dish?
Stone-ground grits provide a creamy texture and robust flavor ideal for this preparation. Quick-cooking grits can be used, but simmering times may vary.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in the shrimp seasoning?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be added or omitted to suit your preferred heat level without compromising the flavor.
- → What is the best way to cook the shrimp evenly?
Cook shrimp in a single layer over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque to ensure even cooking.
- → How do I make the garlic butter sauce flavorful without overpowering the shrimp?
Sauté garlic briefly until fragrant, then add scallions, parsley, and lemon juice to balance richness with fresh, bright notes.
- → What wine pairs well with this shrimp and grits combination?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the creamy, buttery flavors and subtle spice of the dish.