Description
A comforting and flavorful garlic butter shrimp paired with creamy, buttery grits, perfect for quick weeknight dinners ready in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (170g) quick-cooking grits
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups (720ml) of water and 1 cup (240ml) of milk to a gentle boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, about 10-12 minutes.
- While the grits simmer, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits. Let broth reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Add shrimp back to the skillet to coat in the sauce.
- Once grits are thick and creamy, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and an additional tablespoon of butter if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in chopped parsley for freshness if using.
- Serve grits topped with garlic butter shrimp and pour extra sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and avoid rubbery texture. Use unsalted butter to control salt levels. Stir grits occasionally to keep them creamy and lump-free. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Use low heat when adding Parmesan cheese to prevent clumping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: shrimp and grits, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, creamy grits, easy shrimp recipe, comfort food