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- 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred) - 4 cups water (or chicken broth for added flavor) - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you want to boost the taste, try these options: - Lemon juice for brightness. - Old Bay seasoning for extra seasoning. - A splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil for freshness. You can swap out some items if needed: - Use instant grits instead of stone-ground for quicker prep. - Shrimp can be replaced with scallops or chicken if desired. - If you don't have heavy cream, use whole milk or cream cheese. - For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese and cream. - Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder, but fresh is best. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium pot. Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. A pinch of salt helps add flavor. Slowly stir in 1 cup of grits. This step is key for a smooth texture. Reduce the heat to low. Cook the grits based on the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally as they cook. You want them thick and creamy. When the grits are almost done, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream for richness. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the grits warm on low heat while you cook the shrimp. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and add cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. When the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Swirl the pan until the butter melts and coats the shrimp. This adds a rich flavor. Now it’s time to serve! Spoon a generous amount of cheesy grits onto each plate. Top the grits with the garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle some of the buttery sauce from the pan over the shrimp. This extra sauce makes it even tastier. Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. This adds color and freshness. Enjoy the delicious flavors of your garlic butter shrimp and grits! To make smooth and creamy grits, start with stone-ground grits. These grits give a rich flavor. Use four cups of water or chicken broth for more taste. Bring it to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Slowly stir in the grits while adding them. This helps avoid lumps. Cook on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring often. When they thicken, stir in sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. This makes the grits extra creamy and rich in flavor. For juicy shrimp, use large, fresh shrimp. Peel and devein them before cooking. When you add shrimp to the skillet, ensure the pan is hot. This helps them cook evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so watch them closely. After they’re cooked, swirl in the rest of the butter. This coats the shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, keeping them moist and flavorful. For a beautiful presentation, spoon cheesy grits onto each plate first. Then, place the garlic butter shrimp on top. Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over the shrimp. This adds flavor and makes it look great. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. This adds color and freshness. You can also serve with a wedge of lemon for a zesty touch. Enjoy your dish with a nice salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Quality Shrimp: Choose fresh or frozen shrimp that is wild-caught for the best flavor and texture. Perfect Grits: Stirring occasionally while cooking grits prevents lumps and ensures a creamy texture. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the shrimp and grits before serving to suit your palate. Garnish Smartly: A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal to your dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. While I love sharp cheddar, you might try pepper jack for a kick. Creamy gouda adds a nice touch, too. If you want something lighter, use mozzarella. Each cheese gives a new flavor, making your shrimp and grits even better. Want to make this dish heartier? Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the shrimp. You can also mix in cooked sausage or chicken for extra protein. This boosts flavor and fills you up more. Do you like it hot? Increase the cayenne pepper for more heat. If you prefer mild flavors, skip the cayenne. You might add a dash of hot sauce instead. Adjusting spice levels makes this dish fit your taste perfectly. To store your leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits, let them cool first. Place the grits and shrimp in separate airtight containers. This keeps the textures nice. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the grits. This helps them regain creaminess. Heat the grits in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. For the shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat. Heat until warm, but don’t overcook them. You can freeze the shrimp and grits, but keep them separate. Place cooled grits in a freezer bag, squeezing out air. For shrimp, use a container or bag, too. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating tips. Yes, you can use instant grits. They cook faster than stone-ground grits. Just follow package directions. Instant grits will be softer and less chewy. If you prefer a heartier texture, stick with stone-ground. You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut milk. This will add a slight coconut flavor. Each option will change the dish's texture a bit. Choose based on what you like best. To add heat, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also use hot sauce for extra spice. Another option is to add diced jalapeños to the shrimp. Adjust the spice levels to match your taste. Start with a little, then add more if you want. This blog post covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making garlic butter shrimp with grits. You learned how to make the dish flavorful and adjust it to your taste. Remember to experiment with different cheeses, spices, and add-ins. Storing leftovers properly will keep your meal fresh. Whether you stick to the basics or try variations, this dish can please everyone. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty meal!

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits

A delicious dish featuring creamy grits topped with succulent garlic butter shrimp.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred)
  • 4 cups water (or chicken broth for added flavor)
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 2 heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 2 cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then slowly stir in the grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook according to package instructions, usually stirring occasionally for about 20-30 minutes until thickened.
  • Once the grits are nearly done, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, swirling the pan until the butter has melted and coats the shrimp evenly.
  • To serve, spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits onto each plate. Top with the garlic butter shrimp and drizzle some of the pan sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Use chicken broth for a richer flavor in the grits.
Keyword cheesy, garlic butter, grits, shrimp