Contents
Introduction
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits is a delightful dish that combines the rich, creamy texture of grits with succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flavors, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup quick-cooking grits
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken stock as a substitute)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1½ pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, divided
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Grits: Cook the grits according to package instructions, substituting water with chicken stock and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted, about 1 minute. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 7 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped thyme, and paprika until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Add the shrimp to the skillet; season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Serve: Serve the shrimp immediately over the prepared grits. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Grits:
– Cook the grits according to package instructions, substituting water with chicken stock and milk.
– Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
– Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted, which should take about 1 minute.
– Set the prepared grits aside and keep warm.
Cook the Shrimp:
– In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 7 tablespoons of butter.
– Add the minced shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent (approximately 2 minutes).
– Stir in the minced garlic, chopped thyme, and paprika; cook until fragrant (around 1 minute).
– Pour in the white wine and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine the ingredients.
– Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).
– Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Serve:
– Serve the shrimp immediately over the prepared grits.
– Optionally, garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
Notes
Substitutions:
– If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the white wine with additional chicken stock.
Cooking Tips:
– Make sure the skillet is hot enough to cook the shrimp quickly, ensuring they are juicy and tender.
– Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences for a more personalized flavor.
Cook techniques
Cooking Grits
To achieve perfectly creamy grits, cook them in chicken stock and milk instead of water. This enhances the flavor and richness. Make sure to stir in butter after cooking for added creaminess.
Cooking Shrimp
Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution while cooking shrimp. Melt butter first and cook onions until translucent before adding garlic, herbs, and spices to build layers of flavor.
Deglazing
After cooking shrimp, deglaze the skillet with white wine or Worcestershire sauce. This helps lift the brown bits from the bottom, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
Seasoning
Always season at each step of cooking. This means adding salt and pepper when cooking grits and shrimp for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Garnishing
Finish the dish with fresh parsley and lemon juice for brightness and visual appeal. This adds a fresh element that balances the richness of the butter and shrimp.
FAQ
Can I use regular grits instead of quick-cooking grits?
Yes, you can use regular grits, but the cooking time will be longer. Follow the package instructions for cooking regular grits.
What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use chicken stock or a splash of vinegar mixed with water as a substitute for white wine to maintain moisture and flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They typically take about 3-4 minutes to cook through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare grits and sauce ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of buttery shrimp with creamy, seasoned grits. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal that can impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes that make this dish a true Southern classic.
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