Shrimp Grits Garlic Butter (Print)

Garlic butter shrimp atop creamy cheddar grits, delivering comforting Southern flavors in a simple dish.

# Components:

→ Grits

01 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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

# Directions:

01 - Bring chicken broth and milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and thickened.
02 - Stir shredded cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, kosher salt, and black pepper into grits. Adjust seasoning as needed and keep warm.
03 - Combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp thoroughly with the seasoning blend.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
05 - In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in scallions and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Return shrimp to the skillet, add chopped parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat.
07 - Spoon grits into bowls and top with shrimp and garlic butter. Garnish with extra scallions and parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Classic Southern comfort food with bold flavors
  • Great for brunch or dinner and naturally gluten free
02 -
  • Stone-ground grits cook slowly but taste creamier and richer than quick-cooking versions
  • This recipe can be made gluten free by ensuring your broth and cheese are gluten free
03 -
  • Whisk grits constantly while adding to prevent clumping and achieve ultra-creamy texture
  • Cook shrimp just until pink to keep them tender—overcooking makes them rubbery
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