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Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe Easy Homemade Buttery Garlic Sauce

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A comforting and creamy shrimp and grits dish featuring a rich buttery garlic sauce, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Once the grits are tender, stir in 1 cup whole milk or cream, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming.
  3. While grits are simmering, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to the butter-garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  5. Remove skillet from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Spoon creamy grits onto plates, top with buttery garlic shrimp, and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over everything. Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp with a mild smell. For dairy-free options, substitute butter with vegan margarine and milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Stir grits frequently and keep heat low to avoid lumps. Add a splash of milk or broth if grits thicken too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, creamy shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, southern recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-easy-homemade-buttery-garlic-sauce/