![- 1 cup stone-ground grits - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 green onions, finely chopped for garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish To make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits, you need high-quality ingredients. Start with stone-ground grits. They give a rich, creamy texture. Next, use fresh shrimp. Large shrimp work best; they hold flavor well. Chicken broth is key for cooking grits. It adds depth and a savory note. Unsalted butter brings a smooth richness to the shrimp. You can adjust the salt later, but the butter is essential. For seasonings, garlic is a must. It brings a lovely aroma and taste. Smoked paprika adds warmth and a hint of earthiness. If you like spice, add cayenne pepper to your taste. Don't forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the flavors. Sharp cheddar cheese brings creaminess and a kick of flavor to the grits. For garnish, use green onions and fresh parsley. They add color and freshness to the dish. For the full recipe and detailed instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Boiling the chicken broth Start by pouring the chicken broth into a medium saucepan. Place it on the stove and bring it to a boil over high heat. The broth will give your grits a flavorful base. - Cooking the grits to creamy perfection Once the broth boils, stir in the stone-ground grits and add a pinch of salt. Lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the grits cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir them often to avoid lumps. When they are creamy, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. This step adds rich flavor and creaminess. - Sautéing garlic in butter While the grits cook, grab a large skillet. Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. - Seasoning and cooking the shrimp Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 5 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Stir occasionally to make sure they cook evenly. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. - Serving the grits Take the creamy grits and spoon them into bowls. Make sure to create a nice, fluffy base for the shrimp. - Topping with shrimp and garnishing Carefully place the garlic butter shrimp on top of the grits. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the shrimp. For a pop of color, garnish with finely chopped green onions and fresh parsley. This not only enhances the look but also adds fresh flavor. Enjoy this comforting dish that blends savory shrimp with creamy, cheesy grits. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Choosing the right type of grits: Stone-ground grits work best. They have a nice texture and flavor. Instant grits can be quick, but they lack depth. For best results, always pick stone-ground. - Cooking tips for creamy texture: Use chicken broth instead of water. This adds flavor. Stir the grits often while cooking. This helps avoid lumps and ensures creaminess. Add cheese at the end for extra richness. - Spices and seasonings suggestions: Use smoked paprika for a warm taste. Add cayenne pepper for heat. A touch of salt and pepper will balance flavors. Experiment with Old Bay seasoning for a coastal twist. - Cooking time tips for tender shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Overcooking makes them tough. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. - How to plate beautifully: Use a shallow bowl to serve. Spoon the creamy grits first. Top with shrimp in the center. This creates a beautiful focal point. - Garnishing ideas for visual appeal: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Add fresh parsley for color. Consider a light drizzle of extra garlic butter for shine. This makes the dish pop visually and adds flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients in this dish. For cheese, try using cream cheese or goat cheese for a different taste. Both melt well in grits and give a creamy finish. If you're looking for different types of shrimp, consider using smaller shrimp or even scallops. Both options add a unique flavor. Spices make a big difference in this dish. You can swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or chili powder. Each adds its own kick. Consider adding a dash of lemon juice for brightness. You can also enhance texture by adding vegetables. Sautéed bell peppers or spinach complement the shrimp nicely. For gluten-free options, ensure you use certified gluten-free chicken broth. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. If you're looking for lower-calorie options, reduce the butter to two tablespoons. You can also use reduced-fat cheese without losing too much flavor. For the complete preparation, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The dish will last for about three days. If you notice any off smell or look, it's best to toss it out. To reheat the grits and shrimp, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the dish every 30 seconds for even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the mix creamy. Avoid high heat; it can make the grits tough. Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits! However, the grits may change texture when frozen. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, it can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits has roots in the Southern United States. This dish blends flavors from both African and American cooking. Grits date back to Native American tribes, who made them from ground corn. Shrimp became popular in coastal areas. The dish shows how cultures mix to create comfort food. Yes, you can make parts of this dish ahead. Cook the grits and shrimp separately, then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat both. Add a splash of broth to the grits for creaminess. This makes meal prep easy and quick. To add heat, use more cayenne pepper. You can also add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle powder. Adjust spice levels based on your taste. Always taste as you go to find your perfect heat. Many sides complement this dish. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works well. You can also serve sautéed greens like spinach or kale. For a heartier meal, add cornbread or fried green tomatoes. These sides balance the rich flavors of the shrimp and grits. For the full recipe, check out the detailed guide. In this post, we explored the simple joys of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. Plus, we looked at variations for different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy making this dish as a fun meal or a special treat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Embrace your creativity and make every plate unique. Happy cooking!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/177edf2c-0dfb-4084-8eb9-77acfa300efc-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits
Indulge in this delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits recipe that brings a taste of comfort food straight to your table. With creamy stone-ground grits perfectly paired with succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and spices, this dish is sure to impress. In just 40 minutes, you can create an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!