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 made this dish for a Saturday brunch with friends, and it quickly became one of our favorites. The combination of creamy grits and succulent shrimp brings instant comfort, reminding me of family gatherings in the South.
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: 1/4 cup (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of 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 (if using), 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.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat in garlic butter. Remove from heat.
- Serve:
- Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra scallions and parsley.
Save This recipe is a favorite on family weekends. My kids love helping arrange the shrimp on top and sprinkling fresh herbs before we dig in around the table.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (milk, cheese, butter). Confirm broth and cheese labels for gluten-free assurance.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 32 g
Save Savor every spoonful—shrimp and grits is pure Southern comfort with every bite. Enjoy this classic dish any time you want something both hearty and bright.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of grits work best for this dish?
Stone-ground grits provide a creamy texture and robust corn flavor that complement the shrimp and garlic butter well.
- → Can I adjust the heat level in the shrimp seasoning?
Yes, cayenne pepper is optional and can be added or omitted to customize spiciness.
- → How do I achieve a creamy consistency for the grits?
Simmer the grits slowly in broth and milk, stirring occasionally until thickened, and then incorporate cheddar and butter for richness.
- → What is the best way to cook the shrimp to retain tenderness?
Cook shrimp briefly in hot olive oil until pink and opaque, about 1–2 minutes per side, to avoid overcooking.
- → How does the garlic butter sauce enhance the dish?
The sauce combines melted butter with minced garlic, scallions, parsley, and lemon juice to add fresh, savory brightness to the shrimp and grits.