Southern Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce
Rich, savory, and full of Southern charm this Southern Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce is a true comfort food classic! Juicy, tender shrimp are sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and served over creamy, buttery grits for the perfect balance of textures and taste.
Ingredients
- For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits if short on time)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Shrimp u0026 Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional, for Southern flavor)
- ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt u0026 pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent clumping. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook (stirring occasionally) until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes for stone-ground grits, or 5–7 minutes for quick grits). Stir in butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
- Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in cayenne, Old Bay, broth (or wine), and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce reduces slightly. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Step 3: Assemble the Dish: Spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits into a shallow bowl. Top with garlic butter shrimp and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Garnish with additional parsley or shredded cheese.