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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits

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A cozy and easy dinner recipe featuring tender shrimp cooked in garlic butter served over creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits. Perfect for a comforting meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.

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, softened
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the grits thicken and become creamy, about 20 to 25 minutes. If it thickens too fast, add a splash more water or broth.
  2. When done, stir in 2 tablespoons softened butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low while you prepare the shrimp.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt slowly.
  4. Toss in 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine with the garlic butter.
  6. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side without moving so they get a slight sear.
  7. Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly—overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely.
  8. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and toss gently. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
  9. Plate and serve: Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits onto each plate, top with garlic butter shrimp, and drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the top. Add a final crack of black pepper and extra parsley if desired.

Notes

If grits thicken too much while waiting, stir in a splash of warm water or broth to loosen them. Prep garlic and parsley ahead of time as shrimp cooks quickly. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream before adding shrimp. Use stone-ground grits for best texture. Shrimp cooks quickly; do not overcook to avoid rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, garlic butter shrimp, creamy grits, easy dinner, cozy meal, quick shrimp recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-idea/