Garlic Shrimp and Cheesy Grits: A Southern Comfort Food Delight

Garlic Shrimp and Cheesy Grits is a dish that perfectly marries the creamy, comforting texture of Southern-style grits with the zesty, savory flavors of garlic shrimp. This recipe is easy to make, yet delivers a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a weekend brunch. The combination of tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and smooth, cheesy grits creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. This recipe guides you through each step, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comfort Food Elevated:** This dish takes classic comfort food to the next level with its sophisticated flavors.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its elegant taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish can be customized to your liking.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cheesy Grits:

* 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
* 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
* 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor

For the Garlic Shrimp:

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment Needed

* Large saucepan
* Large skillet
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing the Cheesy Grits

1. **Bring Liquid to a Boil:** In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This initial step hydrates the grits properly and lays the foundation for creamy texture.

2. **Whisk in Grits:** Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits. It’s crucial to whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Slow and steady incorporation is key.

3. **Reduce Heat and Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stirring prevents the grits from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking. The grits are done when they are thick and creamy. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of grits used, so check the package instructions.

4. **Add Butter and Cheese:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The butter adds richness, while the cheese creates that signature cheesy flavor. Stir until everything is fully incorporated for a velvety smooth texture.

5. **Season:** Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add garlic powder or onion powder, if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to personalize the dish.

6. **Keep Warm:** Cover the grits and keep them warm while you prepare the shrimp. A low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) can be used to keep the grits warm, or simply cover them tightly and set aside.

Part 2: Cooking the Garlic Shrimp

1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. Patting them dry helps them brown nicely in the skillet. A little olive oil can be tossed with the shrimp to ensure even cooking.

2. **Heat Butter and Oil:** In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a richer flavor.

3. **Sauté Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the entire dish, so watch it closely.

4. **Add Shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking the shrimp will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them. Adjust heat as needed.

5. **Deglaze with Wine (Optional):** If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing process adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have wine, you can skip this step.

6. **Add Lemon Juice and Red Pepper Flakes:** Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes. The lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, while the red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.

7. **Season:** Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

8. **Stir in Parsley:** Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Parsley adds freshness and a vibrant color to the dish.

Part 3: Assembling and Serving

1. **Spoon Grits into Bowls:** Divide the cheesy grits among bowls.

2. **Top with Shrimp:** Top each bowl of grits with the garlic shrimp and sauce.

3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a lemon wedge.

4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy grits and flavorful shrimp.

Tips and Variations

* **Grits:** Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor. Avoid instant grits, as they tend to be less flavorful and have a less desirable texture. You can also experiment with different types of grits, such as yellow or white grits.
* **Cheese:** Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend for the grits. Gruyere, pepper jack, or even goat cheese can add interesting flavors.
* **Shrimp:** Use large or jumbo shrimp for a more substantial meal. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Buy shrimp with the shells on for even more flavor.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the shrimp. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Vegetables:** Add vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the shrimp for a more complete meal. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic before adding the shrimp.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add complexity to the shrimp. Add the herbs along with the garlic.
* **Creaminess:** Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the grits for extra creaminess.
* **Smoked Paprika:** A pinch of smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the shrimp.
* **Bacon:** Crumble cooked bacon over the grits for added saltiness and smoky flavor.
* **Spicy Grits:** Add a diced jalapeño to the grits for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

* **Side Dish:** Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing complement to the rich and creamy grits and flavorful shrimp.
* **Brunch:** Perfect for a weekend brunch with friends and family. Serve with mimosas or bloody marys.
* **Dinner:** Enjoy as a satisfying and comforting dinner on a cozy night in.
* **Appetizer:** Serve smaller portions as an appetizer for a dinner party.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Grits:** The cheesy grits can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little milk or broth if needed to restore their creamy texture. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
* **Shrimp:** The garlic shrimp is best made fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce in a skillet and then add the shrimp to cook.

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover garlic shrimp and cheesy grits in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them separately to maintain their texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 500-600 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp and Cheesy Grits is a delightful dish that combines the best of Southern comfort food with sophisticated flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for yourself or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. With its creamy grits, tender shrimp, and flavorful garlic butter sauce, it’s a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this Southern-inspired delight!

Recipe Card

**Garlic Shrimp and Cheesy Grits**

A Southern comfort food delight that combines creamy grits with zesty garlic shrimp.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

**Cheesy Grits:**

* 1 cup stone-ground grits
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup milk
* 4 tbsp butter
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper

**Garlic Shrimp:**

* 1 lb large shrimp
* 4 tbsp butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tbsp olive oil

**Instructions:**

**Cheesy Grits:**

1. Bring chicken broth and milk to a boil.
2. Whisk in grits, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat, stir in butter, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

**Garlic Shrimp:**

1. Pat shrimp dry.
2. Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet.
3. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Deglaze with white wine (optional).
6. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Stir in parsley.

**Assemble:**

1. Spoon grits into bowls.
2. Top with garlic shrimp and sauce.
3. Garnish and serve immediately.

Enjoy!