Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits, a classic Southern dish that artfully combines succulent shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter with creamy, stone-ground grits. Perfect for any occasion, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Learn how to create this culinary masterpiece at home, and impress your family and friends with a taste of Southern hospitality. Enjoy this beloved favorite that has delighted generations!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups water or chicken broth (for added flavor)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Grits:

- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a vigorous boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

- Once incorporated, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the grits simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until they become velvety and creamy.

- After cooking, fold in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep the mixture covered and set aside to maintain warmth.

Cook the Shrimp:

- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until it's fragrant—be careful not to let it brown.

- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring gently to ensure even cooking.

- Drizzle in the lemon juice and toss everything together. Allow the shrimp to mingle with the flavors for an additional minute before removing them from heat.

Assemble the Dish:

- Spoon generous portions of the creamy grits onto individual plates, creating a small indention in the center of each portion. Place a generous helping of the garlic butter shrimp on top of the grits.

- Garnish the dish with finely chopped parsley and green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve:

- Serve immediately while hot and creamy, allowing everyone to savor the delightful combination of flavors. Enjoy your delicious Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings