Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce

Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce is a soul-warming Southern dish that transforms simple pantry ingredients into something rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Creamy, velvety grits form the base of this hearty meal, while juicy, seasoned shrimp sit on top smothered in a decadent garlic butter sauce with hints of spice, lemon, and fresh herbs. Every bite delivers a contrast of texture and flavor — smooth grits, tender shrimp, buttery sauce, and subtle heat.

Shrimp and grits originated in coastal Southern cuisine, especially in the Carolinas and Louisiana, where fresh seafood and humble cornmeal were staples. Over time, this once rustic fisherman’s breakfast evolved into a beloved comfort-food classic enjoyed across the United States and beyond.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort and gourmet elegance. The grits are warm, creamy, and soothing — almost like a savory hug — while the garlic butter shrimp adds brightness, richness, and excitement. This dish comes together quickly, yet tastes like something you spent hours perfecting.

It’s versatile too — ideal for brunch, dinner, or even special occasions. And the smell of garlic simmering in butter with paprika and lemon? Absolutely unforgettable.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• Restaurant-quality flavor made easily at home
• Perfectly balanced — creamy, buttery, savory, and slightly spicy
• A classic Southern comfort dish everyone should taste at least once
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Impressively delicious with minimal ingredients

Shrimp and grits aren’t just a meal — they’re an experience.

Time, Yield & Nutrition

Category	Details
Prep Time:	10 minutes
Cooking Time:	20 minutes
Total Time:	~30 minutes
Servings:	4 servings
Calories per Serving:	~520–650 calories (depending on butter and cheese amount)
Course:	Main Course / Comfort Food
Cuisine:	Southern American

Ingredients

For the Creamy Grits

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits)
• 3 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2–4 tablespoons butter
• ½–1 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives

Directions

1️Make the Grits

• Bring broth and milk to a simmer.
• Whisk in the grits.
• Reduce heat and cook until thick and creamy (5–15 minutes depending on type).
• Stir in butter, cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.

2️ Season and Cook the Shrimp

• Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Sear in a hot skillet 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned.
• Remove from pan.

3️ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter.
• Add garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
• Add broth or wine, paprika, lemon juice, and crushed pepper.
• Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Return shrimp to coat in sauce.

4️ Assemble and Serve

• Spoon creamy grits into bowls.
• Top with shrimp and generous drizzles of buttery sauce.
• Garnish with herbs.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Heat liquid → whisk in grits → simmer → add butter/cheese.
2. Season shrimp → sear until golden.
3. Make sauce → combine shrimp and sauce.
4. Plate shrimp over grits → garnish → serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Warm cornbread
• Roasted asparagus
• Sautéed greens (spinach or collard greens)
• Iced tea, white wine, or lemonade

Recipe Tips

• Stir grits frequently to prevent sticking.
• Use stone-ground grits for best texture, but quick grits work for convenience.
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they become rubbery.
• Deglazing the skillet adds incredible flavor.

Variations

Version	Details
Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Grits	Increase Cajun seasoning and add sliced Andouille sausage
Bacon Lover’s Version	Add crispy bacon pieces to the sauce
Cheesy Grits Bowl	Use cheddar, gouda, or parmesan
Garlic Lemon Shrimp	Increase lemon juice and add zest
Spicy Creole Style	Add hot sauce and cayenne

Freezing & Storage

Storage Method	Shelf Life
Refrigerate (Grits)	3–4 days
Refrigerate (Shrimp)	2–3 days
Freeze Grits Only	Up to 2 months
Freeze Shrimp	Not recommended (texture changes)

Special Equipment

• Whisk
• Heavy skillet
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula

FAQ

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut milk or almond milk and skip cheese.

Q: Can I make it without wine?
Absolutely — chicken broth works perfectly.

Q: What shrimp size works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp give the best texture and appearance.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce is comfort food with character — creamy, rich, and layered with bold flavors that feel both Southern and sophisticated. It’s fast enough for weeknights but impressive enough for dinner guests or celebrations.

Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or already a fan of its hearty warmth, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again — a beautiful balance of rustic and refined.