Save A Southern classic: tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served atop creamy, cheesy grits. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for brunch or dinner, bringing together the best of Southern comfort and fresh seafood.
I fell in love with shrimp & grits on a family road trip through the Lowcountry. Ever since, it's been my go-to dish for lazy Sundays and when I want to impress dinner guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Stone-ground grits: 1 cup, for authentic texture and flavor
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or water): 4 cups, for simmering grits
- Whole milk: 1 cup, to make the grits creamy
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup, adds rich, cheesy goodness
- 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, tails on or off
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp, adds depth to the shrimp
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1/4 tsp for gentle heat
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for sautéing shrimp
- Garlic, minced: 4 cloves, infuses the sauce with aroma
- Scallions, thinly sliced: 1/4 cup, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp, for finishing
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon, brightens the final dish
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 and Season:
- Stir in cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Season shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Sauté 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.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- 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 We love piling into the kitchen on weekend mornings while the grits simmer. Everyone dives in, grabbing seconds before the shrimp even hits the table. It's always a happy, hearty start to our day.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and a spatula make preparation easy and mess-free.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains shellfish and dairy. Double-check the chicken broth and cheese for gluten-containing additives if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 32 g.
Save This Southern shrimp & grits is a showstopper that feels fancy but is wonderfully simple to make. Serve it up hot and savor every comforting bite!
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of grits works best for this dish?
Stone-ground grits are preferred for their creamy texture and authentic Southern flavor, though quick-cooking grits can be used for faster preparation.
- → Can I substitute chicken broth in the grits preparation?
Yes, you can use water or vegetable broth, but chicken broth adds more depth and richness to the grits.
- → How do I ensure the shrimp stays tender and juicy?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat, about 1–2 minutes per side, until just opaque to avoid toughness.
- → Is there a way to adjust spiciness in this dish?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is optional; omit it for a milder taste or add hot sauce as a topping for extra heat.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavors best?
Extra scallions and fresh parsley provide a bright, fresh contrast to the rich garlic butter and cheesy grits.