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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits, you need the following: - 1 cup grits - 4 cups water or chicken broth - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 green onions, sliced - Salt and black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving Each ingredient plays a key role. The grits provide a creamy base. The shrimp add protein and flavor. Garlic and butter create a rich sauce. The cheese makes everything cheesy and delightful. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Grits: You can use polenta instead of grits for a different taste. - Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works well for a lighter flavor. - Shrimp: Use scallops or chicken for a different protein. - Butter: Olive oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option. - Heavy Cream: Coconut milk can give a creamy texture without dairy. - Cheddar: Try gouda or pepper jack for added flavor. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs. You will need a few basic tools: - Medium saucepan: For cooking the grits. - Large skillet: To sauté the shrimp and garlic. - Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts. - Wooden spoon: To stir the grits and sauce. - Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic and green onions. Having these tools ready makes cooking smooth and easy. To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in four cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add one cup of grits. Stir well to mix and avoid lumps. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the grits cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally until they become thick and creamy. When they are done, mix in half a cup of heavy cream and half a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Keep the grits warm while you cook the shrimp. Now it’s time for the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add four minced garlic cloves and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about one minute until the garlic smells amazing. Next, add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about three to four minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the remaining two tablespoons of butter. For serving, scoop the cheesy grits onto plates. Top each serving with the garlic butter shrimp. Make it pretty by garnishing with sliced green onions. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. The fresh lemon adds a nice zing that brightens the dish. Enjoy your flavorful comfort meal! To make creamy grits, start with a good base. Use water or chicken broth for rich flavor. Bring it to a boil before adding the grits. Stir constantly to prevent lumps. After adding the grits, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Cook for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally for a smooth texture. When done, mix in heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese. This step adds richness and depth. To boost flavors in your garlic butter shrimp, use fresh garlic. Mince it finely for the best taste. Cook the garlic in butter over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Finish with extra butter for a glossy sauce. The butter coats the shrimp and adds a silky texture. Serve the garlic butter shrimp over creamy grits. This creates a nice contrast in textures. Garnish with sliced green onions for color and crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. Pair this dish with a simple salad or steamed veggies. These side dishes balance the richness of the shrimp and grits. Enjoy this meal warm for the best experience. {{image_2}} You can add heat to your garlic butter shrimp. Use more red pepper flakes. Try adding sliced jalapeños for extra spice. This will wake up your taste buds. If you want more flavor, add hot sauce while cooking. The shrimp will be savory and have a kick. Balance the spice with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can make the grits vegetarian by using vegetable broth. This simple swap keeps the dish flavorful. You can also use almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This gives the grits a unique sweetness. Top your grits with sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. Want to switch things up? Try different cheeses in your grits. Creamy goat cheese or tangy feta can add depth. You can also use a blend of cheeses for more flavor. For broth, use fish stock for a seafood twist. This gives a richer taste to the shrimp. Each option enhances the dish in a new way. To store leftover garlic butter shrimp and grits, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Make sure to let it cool down first. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. Use a clear label to note the date. Reheating garlic butter shrimp and grits is easy. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to warm evenly. For stovetop, place the dish in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture. Stir until hot. Freezing is a great option for garlic butter shrimp and grits. Divide the dish into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. These can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can serve Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits with several tasty sides. A simple green salad works well. Try a bright, fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. You could also add some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, add a nice crunch. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This will help them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp works great and is often more convenient. Making grits from scratch is easy! Start with 1 cup of grits and 4 cups of water or broth. Bring the liquid to a boil in a medium saucepan. Then, add the grits slowly while stirring. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, mix in heavy cream and cheese for extra creaminess. This blog post covers everything you need for making garlic butter shrimp and grits. We discussed important ingredients, substitutions, and the right equipment. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and shared tips for creamy grits. You learned variations to try, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Embrace these methods to create a delightful dish. Your cooking can impress anyone. Enjoy the flavorful results every time you make it!

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits, a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Learn how to whip up creamy grits paired with succulent garlic shrimp that will impress your family and friends. This easy recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare and is bursting with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delicious meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup grits

4 cups water or chicken broth

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 green onions, sliced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.

    Once the grits are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.

      In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

        Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining butter.

          To serve, scoop the cheesy grits onto plates and top with the garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4