Shrimp & Grits Garlic Butter (Printable version)

Tender shrimp in garlic butter atop creamy, cheesy grits offering bold Southern flavors.

# What you need:

→ Grits

01 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Shrimp

08 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

14 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring chicken broth and milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
02 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed and keep warm.
03 - Combine smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp to coat evenly.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
05 - Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in scallions and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Return shrimp to the skillet, add parsley and lemon juice, tossing to coat with the garlic butter. Remove from heat.
07 - Spoon grits into bowls and top with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional scallions and parsley as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick comfort food for brunch or dinner
  • Savory, creamy, and gluten-free
02 -
  • Contains shellfish and dairy read labels for gluten if sensitive
  • Bacon or hot sauce make great garnishes
03 -
  • Use quick grits for speed, but reduce liquid
  • Serve with Sauvignon Blanc or light lager
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