Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce

Discover the delicious world of Shrimp & Grits, a cherished Southern dish reimagined with bold flavors and elegance. This classic meal features tender shrimp atop a creamy bed of stone-ground grits, enhanced with savory broth, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for special occasions or comforting weeknight dinners, our step-by-step guide ensures you create a dish that impresses every time. Celebrate Southern hospitality with this heartwarming recipe!

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Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

4 tbsp unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Grits:

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits, reducing the heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy.

Finish the Grits:

Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.

Cook the Shrimp:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the Shrimp:

Toss in the shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Combine and Serve:

To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto a plate, top with the garlic butter shrimp, and drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4