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Savory Garlic Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

Savory Garlic Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

  • Author: AlmaHerzog
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Creamy, cheesy grits topped with juicy garlic shrimp and crispy plant-based savory bits make this Easy Shrimp and Grits the ultimate comfort food that still comes together fast enough for a busy weeknight. It’s a flexible dish that works as a quick breakfast, cozy brunch, or easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 slices plant-based smoked savory strips, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Step: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step: Whisk in the stone-ground grits, reduce the heat to low, and cook, whisking often, until thick and tender, 15–20 minutes.
  3. Step: Stir in the butter, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy; thin with a splash of extra broth or milk if needed and keep warm on low heat.
  4. Step: While the grits cook, add the chopped plant-based savory strips to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet.
  5. Step: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using.
  6. Step: Add the butter to the skillet; when melted and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
  7. Step: Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, letting it soften and become fragrant without browning.
  8. Step: Add the lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to create a quick pan sauce, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed and remove from heat.
  9. Step: To serve, spoon the creamy grits into bowls, top with shrimp and pan sauce, then sprinkle with crispy plant-based bits and sliced green onions.

Notes

For perfectly tender shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque; leaving them in the pan too long is the most common mistake and will make them rubbery instead of juicy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern / American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 250 mg

Keywords: easy shrimp and grits, shrimp and grits recipe, quick breakfast, easy dinner, brunch ideas, comfort food, seafood dinner

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/savory-garlic-shrimp-and-cheesy-grits-6403624466519644/