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Shrimp and grits is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of Southern heritage and a staple that has found its way into kitchens and hearts across the United States. This quintessential Southern comfort food marries the rich, creamy texture of grits with the succulent, ocean-fresh flavor of shrimp, creating a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. The marriage of these two elements is elevated by a luscious garlic butter sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.

Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce

Discover the delicious world of Southern comfort food with this recipe for shrimp and grits, drizzled in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce. This beloved dish blends creamy, stone-ground grits with succulent shrimp, creating a satisfying meal that’s steeped in history. Learn about the key ingredients, from choosing the freshest shrimp to adding the perfect spices. Follow our step-by-step guide for a delightful culinary experience that embodies Southern hospitality and warmth.
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Ingredients
  

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cooking the Grits:

    - In a medium saucepan, pour in 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

      - Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the grits to simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The mixture should become creamy and smooth.

        - After cooking, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tablespoon of butter, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp.

          Preparing the Shrimp:

            - In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

              - Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, which can create a bitter taste.

                - Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, followed by the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and your desired amounts of salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque.

                  - Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir to combine, allowing the shrimp to cook for an additional minute. Remove the skillet from the heat.

                    Serving:

                      - To serve, take a generous scoop of the creamy grits and place it on a plate.

                        - Top the grits with the sautéed shrimp, and be sure to drizzle some of the rich garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the shrimp for extra flavor.

                          - For a vibrant finish, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                              20 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4