The Zesty Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits Recipe You’ll Love

Succulent garlic herb shrimp dancing atop creamy grits creates a symphony of Southern coastal comfort.

Delicate seafood mingles with aromatic herbs, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

Rich, velvety grits provide a luxurious foundation for perfectly seasoned shrimp.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and intense flavors that captivate the palate.

Coastal ingredients weave together in a remarkable dish that celebrates regional cuisine.

Warm, inviting aromas will entice you from the moment preparation begins.

Imagine savoring this elegant yet approachable meal that effortlessly bridges rustic charm with sophisticated cooking techniques.

Explore this recipe and transport yourself to a world of delectable Southern hospitality.

How to Cook Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Comfort Grits

• Chicken stock
• Milk
• Grits
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter

Combine chicken stock and milk in a saucepan. Pour in grits, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Cook according to package directions until smooth and creamy. Fold in butter until melted and glossy. Set aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Butter
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Paprika

Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots, cooking until they become translucent and soft. Toss in minced garlic, fresh thyme, and paprika. Stir continuously until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Transform Succulent Seafood

• Worcestershire sauce
• Shrimp
• Salt
• Pepper

Splash Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, creating a rich liquid base. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Gently place shrimp into the skillet, allowing them to cook for 3-4 minutes. Watch for a beautiful pink color and firm texture indicating perfect doneness.

Step 4: Add Bright Finishing Touches

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice

Sprinkle chopped parsley and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss everything together to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Create Elegant Plate

Spoon creamy grits onto serving plates. Top with garlic herb shrimp. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits

• Select Top-Quality Shrimp: Choose fresh, large shrimp with a firm texture and sweet ocean smell for the best flavor and tender result.
• Control Butter Temperature: Melt butter slowly over medium heat to prevent burning and create a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
• Time Shrimp Cooking Precisely: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly, avoiding overcooking which makes them tough and rubbery.
• Balance Herb Intensity: Use fresh thyme and parsley sparingly to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Create Creamy Grits Texture: Continuously stir grits while cooking and use a mixture of chicken stock and milk for extra richness and depth of flavor.

How to Store Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits Properly

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp and grits in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Grits: Warm grits in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken stock to restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly heated.
• Reheating Shrimp: Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a small amount of butter to prevent drying and maintain tenderness. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring carefully until warm throughout.

Great Sides for Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits

• Elevate with White Wine: Pair this zesty shrimp dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, refreshing wines complement the garlic and herb flavors while cutting through the creamy grits.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious buttery sauce. The bread adds a delightful textural contrast and helps capture every last drop of flavor.
• Brighten with Citrus Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with segments of fresh orange or grapefruit. The citrusy notes will perfectly balance the rich, buttery shrimp and creamy grits, adding a light and fresh element to the meal.
• Cool with Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a quick cucumber slaw with a light vinaigrette to provide a cool, crisp side that contrasts the warm, creamy dish. The fresh crunch will add complexity to each bite.

Creative Twists on Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits

• Spicy Southern Kick: Add cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the shrimp for a fiery Louisiana-style version that brings heat and excitement to the classic dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary, swap Worcestershire sauce for white wine, and sprinkle feta cheese on top to create a Greek-inspired seafood experience.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk into the grits, add mild curry powder to the shrimp seasoning, and finish with chopped cilantro for a tropical Caribbean-inspired rendition that transforms the original recipe.
• Smoked Bacon Infusion: Crisp chopped bacon before cooking shallots, use bacon fat instead of butter, and sprinkle crumbled bacon bits over the final dish for a rich, smoky flavor profile that adds depth and complexity.

Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits FAQs

• How long does it take to cook the shrimp?

The shrimp takes about 3-4 minutes to cook. They’re ready when they turn pink and are completely cooked through.

• Can I substitute chicken stock in the grits?

Yes, you can use water if chicken stock isn’t available. However, chicken stock adds more flavor to the grits.

• What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

You can use any large skillet or frying pan. The key is to have enough space to cook the shrimp evenly.

• How do I know the shrimp are fully cooked?

Look for two signs: the shrimp should turn completely pink and appear opaque, not translucent. They should also be slightly curled in shape.

Why Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits Is So Comforting

• This recipe combines classic Southern grits with succulent shrimp, delivering a hearty meal in just 20 minutes that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Simple pantry staples like butter, garlic, and herbs transform ordinary shrimp and grits into an extraordinary dish with complex, restaurant-quality flavors.
• With basic skillet skills and straightforward instructions, home cooks can easily create a sophisticated meal that looks and tastes professionally prepared, boosting kitchen confidence.
• Creamy, smooth grits provide a perfect soft base for perfectly seared, tender shrimp, creating a delightful mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting.

What You Need for Garlic Herb Shrimp with Creamy Grits

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Delicate seafood protein that forms the star of the dish, best when fresh and peeled.
• Stone-Ground Grits: Creamy Southern staple with rich corn flavor, provides hearty base for the dish.

• Shallot: Mild onion-like ingredient adding subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor enhancer that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements seafood with its delicate, slightly minty notes.
• Parsley: Fresh herb adding brightness and color to finish the dish.

• Chicken Stock: Flavorful liquid base for cooking grits, adds more depth than water.
• Milk: Creamy ingredient that helps create smooth, rich grits.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment that adds umami and complexity to the sauce.
• Butter: Rich ingredient providing silky texture and enhancing overall flavor.
• Paprika: Warm spice that adds subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that freshens and balances the rich, buttery flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's overall taste.

Garlic Herb Shrimp With Creamy Grits Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets coastal elegance in this garlic herb shrimp with creamy grits masterpiece. Succulent Gulf shrimp dance atop silky, rich grits, inviting you to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups whole milk

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Craft a luxurious foundation for the dish by transforming grits using chicken stock and milk, seasoning with delicate salt and pepper. Whisk in butter until silky smooth, maintaining warmth for later serving.
2. Initiate flavor development by gently melting butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped shallots, allowing them to become translucent and release their subtle sweetness.
3. Elevate the aromatic profile by incorporating minced garlic, fragrant thyme, and smoky paprika. Stir continuously to prevent burning and maximize the herb and spice infusion.
4. Deglaze the skillet with Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich and tangy base for the seafood. Carefully season plump shrimp with salt and pepper before nestling them into the herb-infused butter.
5. Cook shrimp with precision, watching for their transformation to a vibrant pink hue, indicating perfect doneness. Ensure each piece is thoroughly cooked yet maintains a tender texture.
6. Brighten the dish with fresh parsley and a splash of zesty lemon juice, stirring to distribute the final layer of flavor throughout the shrimp.
7. Create an inviting presentation by spreading creamy grits as a luxurious base, then artfully arranging the garlic herb shrimp on top. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they’re deveined and cleaned before cooking.
• Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter taste, or use water if stocks are unavailable.
• Cast iron skillet creates perfect caramelization and distributes heat evenly, but a heavy-bottomed pan works as a substitute.
• Adjust butter quantity based on personal preference, keeping in mind it adds richness to the dish.
• Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley significantly elevate the overall taste compared to dried alternatives.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the shrimp at peak tenderness and prevent overcooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 250mg