Pin A Southern classic: tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served atop creamy, cheesy grits comforting, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or dinner.
I first tried shrimp & grits at a family brunch and was amazed by how the flavors blended so warmly. Now, I love preparing this dish on weekends for an easy, flavorful meal everyone appreciates.
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.
- Finish the Grits:
- 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 and Serve:
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat. To serve, spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra scallions and parsley.
Pin This dish often brings back memories of spring mornings sharing generous helpings with my parents. Making it together became one of our favorite traditions, always leading to laughter in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (milk, cheese, butter). Check broth and cheese labels for gluten if celiac or highly sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 32 g per serving
Pin Enjoy these shrimp & grits hot, fresh, and don&t forget to garnish with scallions. This comforting dish turns any meal into a special occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of grits works best?
Stone-ground grits provide the best creamy texture and flavor for this dish, though quick-cooking grits can be used for faster prep.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning allows you to control the heat, or omit for a milder taste.
- → How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque to maintain tenderness and avoid rubberiness.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complement the rich butter and cheese flavors nicely.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are free from gluten contamination.
- → Is there a way to add extra flavor?
Enhance taste with a dash of hot sauce or crumbled cooked bacon as a topping for added depth.