![- 1 cup stone-ground grits - 4 cups water - 1 ½ cups milk - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - ¼ cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making garlic butter shrimp and grits. Each item plays a key role in creating a comforting dish that bursts with flavor. Stone-ground grits give a rich texture. The shrimp add a nice protein and flavor, while garlic and butter create a savory base. The smoked paprika adds depth and a slight smokiness. Adjust the cayenne pepper to fit your spice level. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Green onions and parsley add freshness and color. The Parmesan cheese brings creaminess and umami. Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for the complete cooking instructions! - Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium pot. The water should bubble up nicely. This is key for cooking the grits right. - Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits. Stir well to blend them in. This helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth texture. - Step 3: Cook the grits on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir often until the mixture gets thick and creamy. Taste to check if they are done to your liking. - Step 4: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. - Step 5: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp. - Step 6: Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. This shows they are fully cooked and ready to go. - Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp and stir in the lemon zest and ¼ cup of chopped green onions. This will brighten the flavors. - Step 8: Once the grits are creamy, mix in 1 ½ cups of milk, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s smooth and delicious. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. - Step 9: To serve, place a generous helping of grits on each plate. Top with the garlic butter shrimp mixture. Add extra green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is a true comfort food, perfect for any meal. For the complete recipe, you can check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy! - Use stone-ground grits for best texture. - Stir often to prevent lumps for a smooth consistency. - Adjust cooking time based on desired creaminess. To make great grits, start with stone-ground grits. They give a rich, nutty taste. Stirring is key to avoid lumps. If you want creamy grits, cook them a bit longer. You can add more milk to make them even smoother. - Marinate shrimp ahead for deeper flavor. - Experiment with garlic levels based on preference. - Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level. Marinating shrimp adds great taste. You can use garlic, lemon juice, or even hot sauce. Adjust the garlic to match your taste. If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper. If you want it milder, use less. - Use shallow bowls for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest. - Consider complementary colors for an appealing visual. For a stunning look, serve your dish in shallow bowls. This allows the colors of the grits and shrimp to shine. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon zest makes it pop. Using contrasting colors adds to the visual appeal. For a full recipe, check the link provided. {{image_4}} You can switch up the proteins in this dish easily. Here are a few ideas: - Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different taste. - Add crab meat for a luxurious touch that elevates the dish. - For a vegetarian option, use tofu instead of shrimp. These swaps can bring new flavors and textures to your meal while still keeping it comforting. You can also play with the flavors in Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits. Here are some swaps: - Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a zesty twist. - Replace Parmesan cheese with feta or goat cheese for a creamier bite. - Try different herbs like dill or cilantro to freshen up the dish. These changes can give your meal a whole new vibe and keep things exciting. If you need gluten-free choices, here are some tips: - Make sure to use grits labeled gluten-free for safety. - Serve with a side salad to lighten the meal and add freshness. - Pair with gluten-free bread to add texture and make it filling. These options help you enjoy this dish while keeping your dietary needs in mind. For more details, check the Full Recipe. After enjoying your garlic butter shrimp and grits, let the dish cool completely. Place the leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. When it's time to reheat, use the stovetop. Add a splash of milk to the grits for creaminess. Heat gently while stirring until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring often to avoid hot spots. If you want to store your dish longer, freeze it. For the best results, freeze the cooked grits and shrimp separately. This helps maintain texture. Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your savory comfort food anytime! Cook grits for 20-25 minutes for ideal creaminess. Stir often to avoid lumps. This ensures the grits become thick and smooth. You want that perfect, velvety texture. Yes, prep steps can be done ahead; heat before serving. You can cook the grits and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. Just reheat gently on the stove. Pair with a side salad or sautéed veggies for balance. These sides add freshness to the meal. They also complement the rich flavors of the shrimp and grits. Spice level can be adjusted by varying cayenne pepper. If you like heat, add more cayenne. For a milder dish, reduce the amount. This way, you can make it just right for your taste. Reheat with milk on the stovetop for a creamy texture. Milk adds moisture and richness. Stir often to keep them from sticking to the pan. This will bring back their smooth feel. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. In this post, we covered how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits from scratch. We walked through the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips for success. We even explored variations for added creativity. As you try this dish, remember to adjust flavors to your liking. Enjoy the creamy grits and flavorful shrimp. With practice, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ceacde37-75f9-4d44-add9-190d6df7d79d-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits
Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits with this easy recipe! Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish features creamy stone-ground grits topped with succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and spices. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that impresses. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game tonight!