Pin 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 shrimp & grits for a weekend brunch, and everyone fell in love with how the garlic butter sauce soaks into cheesy grits. This quickly became our go-to dish for a cozy Southern-style family meal.
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 garlic butter 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 (tails on or off)
- 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: from 1/2 lemon
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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 & Seasonings:
- Stir in cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Sear 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 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add scallions and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine & Finish:
- 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.
Pin This is one of our most requested family dishes—even the kids ask for seconds, and it disappears fast whenever we serve it at get-togethers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or sautéed greens for color and freshness. Pair nicely with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager to balance the richness.
Tips & Variations
Top with hot sauce for extra kick or crumble crispy bacon over the finished dish. Add roasted cherry tomatoes or swap cheddar for Gouda or Monterey Jack for a twist.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat the grits gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and warm the shrimp in the sauce on low heat just until heated through.
Pin This shrimp & grits recipe is pure comfort—easy, delicious, and sure to transport you to the South with every bite.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of grits works best for this dish?
Stone-ground grits are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors well.
- → Can I substitute the chicken broth in the grits?
Yes, water can be used as a substitute, though broth adds more depth to the flavor.
- → How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, usually 1–2 minutes per side.
- → What enhances the garlic butter sauce's flavor?
Fresh garlic, scallions, parsley, and a splash of lemon juice brighten and deepen the sauce's taste.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, by ensuring all ingredients, especially broth and cheese, are gluten-free.
