As I stood at my kitchen counter, the sizzling sound of garlic meeting hot butter ignited my senses and filled the room with anticipation. There’s something about the comforting allure of Creamy Shrimp and Grits that feels like home in every bite. This Southern classic doesn't just promise a delicious meal; it invites warmth from friends and family around the table.
After a long week of fast food and uninspired takeout, I craved a dish that would not only satisfy my hunger but also indulge my spirit. What’s truly captivating about this recipe is its incredible ease—think elegant dining without the complicated prep. In just 40 minutes, you'll transform simple, fresh ingredients into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that rivals any restaurant dish.
Join me on this culinary adventure that celebrates rich flavors and heartfelt cooking. Let’s dive into the heart of Southern comfort with this delectable Creamy Shrimp and Grits—your new favorite dinner dish awaits!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Shrimp and Grits
- This Creamy Shrimp and Grits recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also brings a touch of Southern charm to your dining table.
- With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The rich flavors of buttery shrimp and creamy grits create a delightful combination that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough to impress guests at a dinner party or to enjoy as a comforting weeknight meal.
Creamy Shrimp and Grits Ingredients
• Discover the magic behind this classic dish!
For the Shrimp
- Large shrimp – deveined and peeled for a tender bite.
- Salt – enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness.
- Pepper – adds a hint of warmth to the dish.
For the Grits
- Stone-ground corn grits – the heart of the dish, providing that creamy texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – infuses a savory depth to the grits.
- Unsalted butter – brings richness and a velvety finish to the mixture.
- Heavy cream – adds a luxurious creaminess that pairs perfectly with the grits.
For the Flavor
- Garlic – minced to release aromatic goodness that elevates the dish.
- Green onions – a fresh touch that adds brightness and color.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Grits
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Boil the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. This is the foundation of your creamy grits, so let it bubble away happily.
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Whisk in the Grits: Gradually whisk in the stone-ground corn grits, then reduce the heat to low. Keep stirring frequently until the mixture thickens, about 20-25 minutes. This smooth creamy consistency is what you’re aiming for!
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Add Butter and Cream: Mix in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and the heavy cream until smooth. The grits should be rich, creamy, and full of flavor—just the way we love them!
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Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic, letting it sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. This aromatic moment will kick off the cooking of your shrimp beautifully.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink color. You want them perfectly tender!
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Simmer the Cream: Remove the shrimp from the skillet. Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up those delicious brown bits. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, making a delightful sauce for your shrimp.
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Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the chopped green onions. Stir until everything is well-combined, making sure those bright flavors mingle.
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Plate Your Dish: Spoon the creamy grits onto plates and generously top with the shrimp mixture, garnishing with additional green onions for a pop of freshness.
Optional: For an extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top for a spicy kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Shrimp and Grits?
Enhance your dining experience with these delightful pairings that perfectly balance the rich and creamy flavors of this Southern classic.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, this bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining creamy sauce. It adds a satisfying crunch to your meal.
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Steamed Asparagus: The bright, fresh flavor of asparagus complements the richness of the shrimp and grits, offering a lovely contrast that’s pleasing to the palate.
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Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the decadent flavors of the dish. It’s an easy, vibrant side perfect for any table.
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Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread brings a Southern touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy textures of the gumbos, soaking up the delicious sauce.
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Fried Green Tomatoes: These crispy bites offer a delightful brightness that introduces a new layer of flavor and texture to your meal.
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Sweet Tea: Sipping on a glass of iced sweet tea brings an authentic Southern vibe that wonderfully complements this dish’s flavor profile.
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Key Lime Pie: For dessert, this tart and creamy pie provides a perfect sweet finish, balancing the savory shrimp with a refreshing zing.
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Crisp White Wine: A light, chilled Sauvignon Blanc can elevate this meal to new heights, enhancing the seafood flavors without overpowering them.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Shrimp and Grits
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream for creaminess.
Freezer: To freeze, spoon the cooled grits and shrimp into freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a bit of extra cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Separation Tip: Keep in mind that the grits may thicken upon cooling; stirring in a little liquid during reheating helps achieve the original consistency.
Creamy Shrimp and Grits Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your Creamy Shrimp and Grits with these delightful twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical flair while keeping it creamy and delicious.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the shrimp during cooking for a zesty flavor boost that awakens the palate.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or wilted kale with the shrimp to add a nutritious touch and vibrant color to your dish.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end of cooking for an aromatic finish that brightens the dish.
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Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the grits for an ooey-gooey richness that cheese lovers will adore.
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Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest before serving brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing note to your creamy dish.
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Crispy Texture: Top with crispy bacon or fried shallots for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy grits.
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Seafood Variety: Swap out shrimp for scallops or crab meat to give a luxurious twist, bringing a taste of the coast to your table.
Embrace these variations to make this beloved dish your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Shrimp and Grits are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking time-saving solutions! You can prepare the grits and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the creamy consistency intact. To do this, simply follow the recipe up to the point where you mix in the butter and cream, then allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. The shrimp can also be cooked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat the grits on low heat while slowly incorporating a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess, and sauté the shrimp briefly to heat through. You'll enjoy a delicious meal that tastes just as fresh as if you made it from scratch!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Creamy Shrimp and Grits, always use stone-ground corn grits for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid rushing the cooking process; give the grits ample time to thicken for that perfect creaminess, which usually takes 20-25 minutes.
- Remember to sauté the garlic just until fragrant to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
- Finally, when cooking the shrimp, ensure they are cooked just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- Be mindful of the heat when simmering the cream to achieve the right sauce consistency without scalding it.
Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using large shrimp that are deveined and peeled. Fresh or frozen both work well, but be sure to thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for the best results.
How do I store leftovers of Creamy Shrimp and Grits?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream will help restore that creamy consistency.
Can I freeze Creamy Shrimp and Grits?
Yes, you can! To freeze, scoop the cooled grits and shrimp into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of added liquid to revive their creaminess.
What should I do if my grits are too thick?
If your grits become too thick while cooling, don’t worry! Simply stir in a little additional chicken broth or heavy cream while reheating. This will help you achieve that velvety texture we all love.
Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very! If you're looking for a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free with the right corn grits. For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter. For allergies, always check labels to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I choose the best corn grits for this dish?
Great question! I recommend using stone-ground corn grits, as they provide the ideal texture and rich flavor. They usually take a bit longer to cook, about 20-25 minutes, but the results are well worth the wait. Avoid quick-cooking grits, as they won’t give you the creamy consistency that makes this dish a star!
Creamy Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Gradually whisk in the stone-ground corn grits, then reduce the heat to low. Stir frequently until thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and the heavy cream until smooth.
- In a skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Remove the shrimp, pour the heavy cream into the skillet, and let it simmer until thickened.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet with chopped green onions, stirring until well-combined.
- Spoon the creamy grits onto plates and top with the shrimp mixture, garnishing with additional green onions.
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