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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits Recipe Perfect for Quick 15-Min Meals

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A quick and comforting shrimp and grits dish featuring tender shrimp in garlic butter sauce paired with creamy, cheesy grits, ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup quick-cooking or instant grits (160 grams)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (about 60 grams)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (480 ml)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml), or half-and-half or dairy-free alternative
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup milk to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  2. Slowly stir in 1 cup quick-cooking grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and stir frequently for about 5 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on the lowest heat setting.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side without moving, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  7. Remove skillet from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp, and toss in chopped parsley.
  8. Serve creamy grits topped with garlic butter shrimp and drizzle any pan juices over the top. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Keep shrimp dry before cooking for a better sear and avoid overcrowding the pan; cook shrimp in batches if needed. Stir grits frequently to prevent clumping and burning. Use fresh garlic for best flavor and add it just before shrimp to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter, milk with coconut or almond milk, and cheese with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, creamy grits, weeknight meal, Southern comfort food

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-garlic-butter-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-perfect-for-quick-15-min-meals/