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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits

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A warm, hearty Southern-style meal featuring plump shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce served over silky smooth cheddar cheese grits. Perfect for cozy dinners or quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to avoid lumps.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy. Add salt to taste during cooking.
  3. Once cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. While the grits cook, pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Lower heat and pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Remove from heat, squeeze juice of half a lemon over shrimp, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.
  9. Spoon creamy grits onto warm plates, then top generously with garlic butter shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to help the butter sauce cling better and prevent steaming. Stir grits frequently to avoid lumps and burning. Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with vegan alternatives and cheddar with nutritional yeast. Reheat shrimp gently on low heat to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, garlic butter shrimp, Southern recipe, creamy grits, quick dinner, comfort food, seafood, easy shrimp recipe

Find it online: https://nanarecipes.info/creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-perfect-for-southern-style-meals/