Shrimp Scampi Creamy Grits Recipe
This Shrimp Scampi Creamy Grits recipe combines tender, garlicky shrimp cooked in a buttery lemon sauce with rich, creamy stone-ground grits enhanced by sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful Southern-inspired dish perfect for a satisfying dinner or brunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp Scampi
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter (divided into 1 tbsp and 2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until the grits become thick and creamy.
- Finish the grits: Stir in the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of butter, and the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep the grits warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the juice of one lemon and toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the dish: Spoon the creamy cheddar grits into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the sautéed shrimp scampi.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the dish immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best creamy texture and authentic flavor.
- For extra heat, adjust the red pepper flakes or omit for a milder dish.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water if you prefer a lighter taste.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but can be substituted with basil or chives.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Creamy Grits, Southern Cuisine, Dinner, Seafood, Comfort Food, Cheddar Grits
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/shrimp-scampi-creamy-grits-recipe/
