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Southern cuisine is a celebration of comforting flavors, deeply rooted traditions, and heartwarming dishes that bring families and friends together. Among these cherished recipes, Shrimp & Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce stands out as a true icon. This dish, with its harmonious blend of creamy grits and succulent shrimp, enveloped in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, embodies the soul of Southern cooking. Whether served at a festive family gathering or enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please.

Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce

Discover the delightful world of Southern cuisine with our Shrimp & Grits with Garlic Butter Sauce. This comforting dish features creamy stone-ground grits topped with succulent shrimp and a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a perfect blend of flavors. Rooted in humble beginnings, it has evolved into a beloved staple for family gatherings and upscale restaurants alike. Join us as we explore its rich history, key ingredients, and step-by-step cooking tips to create this iconic meal. Indulge in a taste of the South that promises to impress!
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Ingredients
  

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cooking the Grits:

    - In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add salt.

      - Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits while reducing the heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are creamy and smooth.

        - Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, black pepper, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Keep warm.

          Preparing the Shrimp:

            - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.

              - Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

                - Toss in the shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

                  - Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from heat.

                    Serving:

                      - To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto a plate.

                        - Top with the sautéed shrimp, ensuring to drizzle some of the delicious garlic butter sauce over the top.

                          - Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for color and flavor.

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings

                              20 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4