Shrimp & Grits Garlic Butter (Printable)

Tender shrimp cooked in garlic butter atop creamy, cheesy grits—perfect for brunch or dinner.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method:

01 - 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 to 25 minutes until creamy and thickened.
02 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, kosher salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and keep warm.
03 - Combine shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, kosher salt, and black pepper.
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 per 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 add scallions and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Return shrimp to skillet, add chopped parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter mixture. Remove from heat.
07 - Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with shrimp and garlic butter sauce, and garnish with extra scallions and parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Classic Southern comfort dish with rich flavors
  • Quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for entertaining
02 -
  • Stone-ground grits cook slower but offer superior texture and flavor.
  • Shrimp cooks very quickly—overcooking leads to rubbery texture.
03 -
  • Use quick-cooking grits if you're short on time—just check and adjust the liquid amount as needed.
  • For the creamiest grits, stir frequently and don’t rush the cooking process.
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