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Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe Easy Perfect Brunch Bliss Ideas

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A comforting and indulgent brunch dish featuring tender shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce served over creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weekend brunch or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  2. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to avoid clumping.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until thick and creamy. Add a splash of water or broth if grits get too thick.
  4. Once cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  6. Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  7. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side without moving, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  10. Squeeze juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and stir to combine. Add a splash of broth or water if the pan is dry.
  11. Spoon creamy grits onto plates, top with sautéed shrimp and sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

Use stone-ground grits for best texture. Dry shrimp well before searing to get a good crust. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level. Leftover grits can be reheated gently with milk or cream to restore creaminess. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and cheddar with dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, creamy shrimp, brunch recipe, easy shrimp recipe, southern comfort food, cheesy grits, garlic shrimp

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-easy-perfect-brunch-bliss-ideas/