Save to Pinterest A Southern classic: tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served atop creamy, cheesy grits comforting, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or dinner.
I first tasted real shrimp & grits on a trip to Charleston, and ever since I have been hooked! Creating this recipe in my own kitchen always brings me back to that memory and it has become a cozy favorite in our home.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Stone-ground grits: 1 cup
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or water): 4 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (plus 4 tbsp for garlic butter sauce)
- Kosher salt: 1/2 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for shrimp)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (plus 1/4 tsp for shrimp)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 lb (tails on or off)
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic, minced: 4 cloves
- Scallions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish): 1/4 cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes, until creamy and thickened.
- Add Cheese & Seasonings:
- Stir in cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add scallions and cook for 1 minute.
- Toss Shrimp with Sauce:
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat in garlic butter. Remove from heat.
- Serve:
- Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra scallions and parsley.
Save to Pinterest When my family gathers for Sunday brunch, this dish is always requested. We love to pile our bowls high and top them with a little extra parsley—it's pure comfort food and brings everyone together.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your shrimp & grits with fresh greens or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can make the grits ahead of time and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed. Store leftovers in airtight containers and enjoy within 2 days.
Variations
For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle cooked bacon over top. Feel free to use quick-cooking grits for faster preparation—just adjust the liquid as needed.
Save to Pinterest 
Savor every bite! This shrimp & grits makes any meal feel extra special.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of grits works best?
Stone-ground grits provide the best texture and flavor, yielding a creamy and slightly hearty base.
- → Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its tangy richness, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack can be used for a milder profile.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cook shrimp just 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- → What adds flavor to the garlic butter sauce?
Fresh garlic, scallions, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice combine to create a bright, savory sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, using gluten-free broth and checking cheese labels ensures this dish is gluten-free friendly.
