Speedy Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits Recipe: Pure Joy

Succulent shrimp dancing with garlic herb flavors create a Southern comfort classic that sings straight to your soul.

creamy, rich grits form the perfect canvas for this mouthwatering seafood delight.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of zesty herbs and tender, juicy shrimp.

The dish marries coastal charm with hearty Southern tradition in one incredible plate.

Freshly chopped herbs and garlic infuse the shrimp with robust, irresistible aromatics.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a restaurant-worthy meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a true culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 569 kcal

Servings: 5

Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits Ingredient Guide

• Grits: Creamy southern staple that provides rich, comforting foundation for the dish.
• Chicken Stock: Elevates grits with deeper, more robust flavor profile.
• Milk: Adds luxurious creaminess and smoothness to grits.

• Shrimp: Quick-cooking protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Shallot: Offers subtle, sweet onion undertones with delicate complexity.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that builds intense savory depth.
• Thyme: Herbaceous note that introduces earthy, slightly minty essence.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly smoky background flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami-rich tangy complexity.
• Parsley: Fresh, bright herb that adds vibrant finishing touch.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky texture and adds luxurious mouthfeel.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, zesty freshness to balance richness.
• Chicken Stock: Adds extra layer of savory depth to entire preparation.

Equipment You’ll Need for Shrimp and Grits

• Cast Iron Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan perfect for even heat distribution and searing shrimp.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping shallots, garlic, and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise mincing and chopping of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring grits and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure butter, seasonings, and herbs.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring chicken stock and milk for grits.
• Spatula: Helps flip and cook shrimp evenly in the skillet.

Cooking Garlic Shrimp and Creamy Grits Together

• Creamy Grits Base

Craft a luxurious foundation by cooking grits with rich chicken stock and milk. Season subtly and stir in a knob of butter until silky smooth. Keep warm and waiting.

• Aromatic Butter Bath

Melt butter in a spacious cast iron skillet, transforming it into a flavor canvas. Soften shallots until they become translucent and delicate. Introduce garlic, thyme, and paprika, allowing their fragrance to dance and awaken.

• Shrimp Symphony

Splash Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, creating a deep, complex backdrop. Gently nestle seasoned shrimp into the bubbling mixture. Allow them to cook until they blush pink and curl into tender perfection.

• Bright Finish

Elevate the dish with a burst of fresh parsley and a whisper of zesty lemon juice. Swirl everything together, marrying the flavors in a harmonious embrace.

• Plating Magic

Spread the creamy grits as a luxurious canvas. Crown them with the herb-infused shrimp, creating a stunning culinary masterpiece that beckons to be savored.

Tips for Richer Flavor and Better Texture

• Shrimp Selection: Choose large or jumbo wild-caught shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Ensure they're deveined and peeled to save preparation time.
• Stock Swaps: Replace chicken stock with seafood or vegetable stock for a different depth of flavor. White wine can also add a delightful complexity to the grits.
• Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the shrimp. Experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier profile.
• Cheese Boost: Stir in some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese into the grits for extra richness. Parmesan can provide a nutty, salty dimension to the base.
• Quick Meal Hack: Frozen shrimp work perfectly when fresh isn't available. Thaw quickly under cold running water and pat dry before cooking for the best results.

Serving Suggestions for Southern-Style Comfort

• Seafood Feast Centerpiece: Elevate this dish as the star of a romantic dinner or special gathering, creating a memorable meal that celebrates Southern coastal cuisine.
• Textural Harmony Companion: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or a light cucumber salad to complement the creamy grits and succulent shrimp, adding refreshing crunch and balance.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the garlic and herb flavors while cutting through the richness of the butter and grits.
• Leftovers Transformation: Transform any remaining shrimp and grits into a delightful next-day lunch by chopping the shrimp and mixing into a fresh salad or stuffing into a warm sandwich wrap.

Store and Reheat Shrimp and Grits Smoothly

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook shrimp and grits separately to maintain optimal texture. Store components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping them separate to prevent soggy grits.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze plain cooked grits and seasoned shrimp in separate sealed containers for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture.
• Quick Lunch Solution: Transform leftovers into a delightful cold shrimp salad by mixing chilled shrimp with fresh greens, or create a warm grits bowl by adding extra butter and herbs when reheating.
• Portion Control Strategy: Prepare individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use small mason jars or compartmentalized containers to keep ingredients fresh and appetizing during storage.

Crispy Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Garlic herb shrimp with creamy grits offer a Southern comfort classic with bold flavor profiles. Coastal ingredients combine in this quick, elegant dish perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 tbsps (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) quick-cooking grits
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 3 tbsps fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Grits Preparation: Combine chicken stock and milk in a saucepan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Whisk butter into the mixture until achieving a creamy, luxurious consistency. Keep warm for serving.
2. Aromatic Base: Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallots until translucent, releasing their delicate sweetness and developing a robust flavor foundation.
3. Herb and Spice Infusion: Add minced garlic, thyme, and paprika to the skillet. Stir continuously to prevent burning and maximize the herb and spice complexity, creating an intense aromatic profile.
4. Seafood Integration: Deglaze the skillet with Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich flavor base. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then introduce them to the herb-infused butter. Cook until shrimp turn a vibrant pink, ensuring perfect doneness while maintaining a tender texture.
5. Final Flourish: Incorporate fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice, stirring to distribute the bright, zesty flavors throughout the shrimp. Plate by spreading creamy grits as a luxurious base, topping with the garlic herb shrimp. Garnish with additional parsley for a visually appealing and fresh finish.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking Shrimp: Watch closely as shrimp turns pink and curls slightly; overcooking leads to rubbery, tough texture that ruins the delicate seafood.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Allow herbs and spices to bloom in hot butter, releasing maximum aromatic compounds before adding shrimp for deeper, more complex taste.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium heat to develop flavors without burning garlic or butter, ensuring a rich, golden base for the shrimp.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh shrimp and vibrant herbs to elevate the dish’s overall taste and presentation, creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 569
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 629 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 202 mg