![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred) - 4 cups water or chicken broth - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped for garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Shrimp is the star in this dish. I choose large shrimp for a meaty bite. The garlic brings a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Butter adds a creamy touch that makes everything taste better. Don't forget the cheese! Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick to the grits and makes them creamy. Cajun seasoning adds warmth and spice, making each bite delightful. If you want to switch things up, consider using scallops or crab instead of shrimp. For a different flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. If you need to skip dairy, choose a non-dairy cheese and cream alternative. Each swap can give new life to this classic dish. For the best taste, stick to quality ingredients. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to create this dish. To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring this to a boil over high heat. Once bubbling, stir in 1 cup of grits. Reduce the heat to low. Let the grits simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you use stone-ground grits, follow the package for exact times. The grits should turn creamy and thick. When done, mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until everything is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then keep warm. Next, take a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat this over medium heat. When melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. You want to smell that garlic aroma! Then, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when ready. This step brings out all the yummy flavors. Now, it's time to serve! Spoon the creamy grits into warm bowls. Top them generously with the garlic shrimp. For a nice finish, garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. They add color and freshness. If you want a special touch, drizzle with some melted butter and sprinkle extra cheese on top. A lemon wedge on the side adds a bright burst of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your meal! To get creamy grits, use stone-ground grits. They have a rich taste. For cooking, bring water or broth to a boil first. Stir in the grits and lower the heat. Stir often to avoid lumps. Cook until they are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Add heavy cream and cheese for extra richness. Always season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep them warm while you cook the shrimp. Shrimp cook fast. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on them. Cook shrimp on medium heat for just 3-4 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Remove them from heat right away to keep them tender. Seasonings add depth to your dish. Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick. Paprika gives a nice color and flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions add brightness. For more flavor, consider adding lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. To learn more about the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} I love to add heat to my garlic butter shrimp & grits. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. The heat balances well with the creamy grits. You can use Cajun seasoning, which already has some spice, but feel free to add more. This adds layers of flavor that make each bite exciting. Why stop at shrimp? You can create a seafood medley. Try adding scallops or crab meat. Cook these along with the shrimp in the same garlic butter. This mix gives a wonderful taste of the sea. Each bite will be packed with different textures and flavors. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, swap out the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the grits. This keeps the dish flavorful and rich. You can also add some spinach or kale for extra nutrition. This variation remains creamy and delicious without seafood. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After cooking, let the grits cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the grits. Just scoop them into freezer bags, leaving some space. They can last for several months when frozen. To store leftover shrimp, let them cool first. Place the shrimp in a shallow, airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have a lot, consider freezing the shrimp. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags. This helps prevent freezer burn. When reheating grits, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps them creamy. Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. For shrimp, reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to keep them moist. Avoid cooking too long, as shrimp can become tough. Want to make this dish? Check out the Full Recipe for the perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits. For this recipe, I recommend using stone-ground grits. They have a rich taste and creamy texture. They cook slower than instant grits, but the flavor is worth the wait. Instant grits can work if you're short on time, but they won’t match the taste of stone-ground grits. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the grits and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers. You can reheat the grits on low heat with a splash of water or cream. Cook the shrimp fresh for the best taste. This keeps the shrimp from becoming tough. To make larger servings, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 pounds of shrimp and 2 cups of grits. Adjust the water or broth to 8 cups. Keep the cooking times the same, but check the shrimp for doneness. This way, you can serve more people without losing flavor. For the full recipe, see above. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for making shrimp and grits. We looked at variations and storage, ensuring you have options to suit your taste. To wrap up, making this dish can be simple and fun. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/f7b5aec9-6690-4050-acfc-96a6b5f30615-768x768.webp)
Craving a meal that feels like a warm hug? Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits packs a punch of flavor and comfort. With tasty shrimp and creamy grits, this dish satisfies your hunger and tickles your taste buds. In this post, I’ll walk you through easy steps, share tips for perfecting the recipe, and offer fun variations. Let’s make your next dinner a flavorful delight!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred)
– 4 cups water or chicken broth
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Key Ingredients to Highlight
Shrimp is the star in this dish. I choose large shrimp for a meaty bite. The garlic brings a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Butter adds a creamy touch that makes everything taste better. Don’t forget the cheese! Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick to the grits and makes them creamy. Cajun seasoning adds warmth and spice, making each bite delightful.
Alternative Ingredients Suggestions
If you want to switch things up, consider using scallops or crab instead of shrimp. For a different flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. If you need to skip dairy, choose a non-dairy cheese and cream alternative. Each swap can give new life to this classic dish. For the best taste, stick to quality ingredients.
Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to create this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Grits
To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring this to a boil over high heat. Once bubbling, stir in 1 cup of grits. Reduce the heat to low. Let the grits simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you use stone-ground grits, follow the package for exact times. The grits should turn creamy and thick. When done, mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until everything is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then keep warm.
Preparing the Shrimp
Next, take a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat this over medium heat. When melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. You want to smell that garlic aroma! Then, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when ready. This step brings out all the yummy flavors.
Combining the Grits and Shrimp for Serving
Now, it’s time to serve! Spoon the creamy grits into warm bowls. Top them generously with the garlic shrimp. For a nice finish, garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. They add color and freshness. If you want a special touch, drizzle with some melted butter and sprinkle extra cheese on top. A lemon wedge on the side adds a bright burst of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Essential Cooking Tips for Perfect Grits
To get creamy grits, use stone-ground grits. They have a rich taste. For cooking, bring water or broth to a boil first. Stir in the grits and lower the heat. Stir often to avoid lumps. Cook until they are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Add heavy cream and cheese for extra richness. Always season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep them warm while you cook the shrimp.
How to Avoid Overcooking Shrimp
Shrimp cook fast. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on them. Cook shrimp on medium heat for just 3-4 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Remove them from heat right away to keep them tender.
Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings
Seasonings add depth to your dish. Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick. Paprika gives a nice color and flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions add brightness. For more flavor, consider adding lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. To learn more about the full recipe, check the details above.
Variations
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits
I love to add heat to my garlic butter shrimp & grits. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. The heat balances well with the creamy grits. You can use Cajun seasoning, which already has some spice, but feel free to add more. This adds layers of flavor that make each bite exciting.
Seafood Medley Addition
Why stop at shrimp? You can create a seafood medley. Try adding scallops or crab meat. Cook these along with the shrimp in the same garlic butter. This mix gives a wonderful taste of the sea. Each bite will be packed with different textures and flavors. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself.
Vegetarian Option for Grits
If you prefer a vegetarian dish, swap out the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the grits. This keeps the dish flavorful and rich. You can also add some spinach or kale for extra nutrition. This variation remains creamy and delicious without seafood.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Grits
After cooking, let the grits cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the grits. Just scoop them into freezer bags, leaving some space. They can last for several months when frozen.
Best Way to Store Cooked Shrimp
To store leftover shrimp, let them cool first. Place the shrimp in a shallow, airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have a lot, consider freezing the shrimp. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags. This helps prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Tips for Optimal Texture
When reheating grits, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps them creamy. Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. For shrimp, reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to keep them moist. Avoid cooking too long, as shrimp can become tough. Want to make this dish? Check out the Full Recipe for the perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits.
FAQs
What are the best grits to use for this recipe?
For this recipe, I recommend using stone-ground grits. They have a rich taste and creamy texture. They cook slower than instant grits, but the flavor is worth the wait. Instant grits can work if you’re short on time, but they won’t match the taste of stone-ground grits.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the grits and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers. You can reheat the grits on low heat with a splash of water or cream. Cook the shrimp fresh for the best taste. This keeps the shrimp from becoming tough.
How to adjust the recipe for larger servings?
To make larger servings, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 pounds of shrimp and 2 cups of grits. Adjust the water or broth to 8 cups. Keep the cooking times the same, but check the shrimp for doneness. This way, you can serve more people without losing flavor. For the full recipe, see above.
This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for making shrimp and grits. We looked at variations and storage, ensuring you have options to suit your taste.
To wrap up, making this dish can be simple and fun. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!
![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred) - 4 cups water or chicken broth - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped for garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Shrimp is the star in this dish. I choose large shrimp for a meaty bite. The garlic brings a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Butter adds a creamy touch that makes everything taste better. Don't forget the cheese! Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick to the grits and makes them creamy. Cajun seasoning adds warmth and spice, making each bite delightful. If you want to switch things up, consider using scallops or crab instead of shrimp. For a different flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. If you need to skip dairy, choose a non-dairy cheese and cream alternative. Each swap can give new life to this classic dish. For the best taste, stick to quality ingredients. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to create this dish. To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring this to a boil over high heat. Once bubbling, stir in 1 cup of grits. Reduce the heat to low. Let the grits simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you use stone-ground grits, follow the package for exact times. The grits should turn creamy and thick. When done, mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until everything is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then keep warm. Next, take a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat this over medium heat. When melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. You want to smell that garlic aroma! Then, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when ready. This step brings out all the yummy flavors. Now, it's time to serve! Spoon the creamy grits into warm bowls. Top them generously with the garlic shrimp. For a nice finish, garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. They add color and freshness. If you want a special touch, drizzle with some melted butter and sprinkle extra cheese on top. A lemon wedge on the side adds a bright burst of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your meal! To get creamy grits, use stone-ground grits. They have a rich taste. For cooking, bring water or broth to a boil first. Stir in the grits and lower the heat. Stir often to avoid lumps. Cook until they are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Add heavy cream and cheese for extra richness. Always season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep them warm while you cook the shrimp. Shrimp cook fast. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on them. Cook shrimp on medium heat for just 3-4 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Remove them from heat right away to keep them tender. Seasonings add depth to your dish. Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick. Paprika gives a nice color and flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions add brightness. For more flavor, consider adding lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. To learn more about the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} I love to add heat to my garlic butter shrimp & grits. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. The heat balances well with the creamy grits. You can use Cajun seasoning, which already has some spice, but feel free to add more. This adds layers of flavor that make each bite exciting. Why stop at shrimp? You can create a seafood medley. Try adding scallops or crab meat. Cook these along with the shrimp in the same garlic butter. This mix gives a wonderful taste of the sea. Each bite will be packed with different textures and flavors. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, swap out the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the grits. This keeps the dish flavorful and rich. You can also add some spinach or kale for extra nutrition. This variation remains creamy and delicious without seafood. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After cooking, let the grits cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the grits. Just scoop them into freezer bags, leaving some space. They can last for several months when frozen. To store leftover shrimp, let them cool first. Place the shrimp in a shallow, airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have a lot, consider freezing the shrimp. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags. This helps prevent freezer burn. When reheating grits, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps them creamy. Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. For shrimp, reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to keep them moist. Avoid cooking too long, as shrimp can become tough. Want to make this dish? Check out the Full Recipe for the perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits. For this recipe, I recommend using stone-ground grits. They have a rich taste and creamy texture. They cook slower than instant grits, but the flavor is worth the wait. Instant grits can work if you're short on time, but they won’t match the taste of stone-ground grits. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the grits and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers. You can reheat the grits on low heat with a splash of water or cream. Cook the shrimp fresh for the best taste. This keeps the shrimp from becoming tough. To make larger servings, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 pounds of shrimp and 2 cups of grits. Adjust the water or broth to 8 cups. Keep the cooking times the same, but check the shrimp for doneness. This way, you can serve more people without losing flavor. For the full recipe, see above. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for making shrimp and grits. We looked at variations and storage, ensuring you have options to suit your taste. To wrap up, making this dish can be simple and fun. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/f7b5aec9-6690-4050-acfc-96a6b5f30615-250x250.webp)
