Save A Southern classic: tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served atop creamy, cheesy grits—comforting, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or dinner.
I fell in love with shrimp & grits the first time I visited the South—the creamy grits paired with juicy shrimp and a luscious garlic butter sauce instantly won me over. Now, it's a family favorite we look forward to making together whenever we crave a cozy, satisfying meal.
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 (for grits) + 4 tbsp (for garlic butter sauce)
- Kosher salt: 1/2 tsp (for grits) + 1/2 tsp (for shrimp)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (for grits) + 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 & Seasonings:
- 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.
- Finish the 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.
Save This dish always brings back memories of lazy weekends when we would gather in the kitchen and take turns stirring the grits, savoring the aroma of garlic butter filling the house.
Serving Suggestions
Serve shrimp & grits hot alongside collard greens, a crisp salad, or warm cornbread for a true Southern feast.
Allergy & Dietary Info
This recipe contains shellfish and dairy. For gluten-free needs, check chicken broth and cheese labels to ensure they're gluten-free.
Wine Pairing & Add-Ons
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager. For an extra kick, drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle crisp bacon on top before serving.
Save Enjoy this comforting meal any night of the week—each bite is a taste of Southern hospitality. Don’t forget to add your favorite garnishes for extra flavor and flair!
Recipe Guide
- → What type of grits works best for this dish?
Stone-ground grits provide a creamy texture and robust corn flavor, making them ideal. Quick-cooking grits can be used for faster prep but may alter texture slightly.
- → How do I ensure the shrimp stays tender?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat, about 1-2 minutes per side, until just pink and opaque to avoid toughness.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of the shrimp?
Yes, adding or reducing cayenne pepper allows control over spice intensity. Smoked paprika adds depth without heat.
- → Is there a way to make the garlic butter sauce more flavorful?
Sauté the garlic briefly until fragrant but not browned, then add fresh scallions, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the rich and savory flavors, balancing the creamy grits and buttery shrimp.