Save A Southern classic: tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served atop creamy, cheesy grits, comforting, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or dinner.
I first tasted shrimp & grits in Charleston and was hooked. The creamy grits and savory shrimp took me back to warm afternoons with family gathered around the table, sharing stories while we enjoyed every bite.
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 (plus 4 tbsp for sauce)
- Kosher salt: 1/2 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for shrimp)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (plus 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 (plus extra for garnish): 1/4 cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: From 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.
- Finish the Grits:
- Stir in cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne, 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 Shrimp:
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat in garlic butter. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra scallions and parsley.
Save We made this recipe for our annual Sunday brunch and my kids scraped their bowls clean. My spouse always asks for extra scallions and parsley, making it uniquely ours.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains shrimp and dairy. Check broth and cheese if you avoid gluten strictly.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 calories, 25 g fat, 33 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein
Save Spoon up a little extra sauce at the end for maximum flavor. This shrimp & grits recipe brings classic comfort straight to your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of grits works best?
Stone-ground grits provide a creamy texture and rich flavor, making them ideal for this dish.
- → How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove promptly to avoid toughness.
- → Can I make the dish gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free broth and verified gluten-free ingredients keeps the dish safe for gluten sensitivity.
- → What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Aged Gouda or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives that melt well and add creaminess.
- → How to add more heat to this dish?
Incorporate cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp for a spicier profile.
- → What wines pair well with shrimp and grits?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light lagers complement the rich, buttery flavors nicely.