Garlic Butter Shrimp Over Creamy Grits

My Cozy Kitchen Secret

I have a little secret. Some meals just feel like a hug. This is one of them. It’s my easy shrimp and grits recipe. It’s ready in about 30 minutes. That’s perfect for a busy night. Doesn’t that sound nice? I love making this for breakfast for dinner. It feels special but is so simple. The creamy dairy-free grits are so comforting. The spicy shrimp and grits on top wake everything up. I still smile when I pull this dish together.

The Magic of Creamy Grits

Let’s talk about dairy-free grits. Many people think you need cream. You really don’t! I use oat milk here. It makes the grits so rich and smooth. You get those garlic butter grits without any dairy at all. It’s a small change that matters a lot. *Fun fact: Grits are made from corn, just like polenta!* They are a Southern treasure. Getting them creamy is all about patience. Stir them with love as they cook. This care turns simple grains into a warm, soft bed for our shrimp. What’s your favorite cozy food to make?

A Little Spice, A Lot of Flavor

Now for the fun part: the chili garlic shrimp. That chili garlic sauce is the star. It gives a gentle warmth, not too much fire. I learned to use it from my neighbor years ago. I still laugh at how I was scared of it at first! Cooking the shrimp is quick. They turn pink and smell amazing. The garlic sizzles in the pan. In minutes, you have a topping full of flavor. This shows that big taste doesn’t need all day. Do you prefer your food mild, or with a little kick?

Why This Dish Matters

First, this is a true 30 minute shrimp and grits meal. That matters on weeknights. You can make something wonderful without stress. Good food shouldn’t be hard. Second, it’s a full dairy-free shrimp and grits dish. Everyone at the table can enjoy it, no matter how they eat. Putting it together is a joy. You spoon the spicy shrimp over the creamy grits. The colors are beautiful. The smells mix together. It feels like you made magic from simple things. That’s a good feeling to have in the kitchen.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This recipe is here for you to try. Make it your own. You could use another non-dairy milk. Or add more green onion on top. Cooking is about playing, too. I think you’ll love these garlic butter grits. Whether you make it for vegan shrimp and grits or use regular shrimp, the heart is the same. It’s creamy, spicy, and comforting. Will you try this for your next breakfast for dinner? Tell me if you do!

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Water	1 cup	For grits
Non-dairy Milk (e.g., Oat Milk)	1 cup	For grits
Grits	½ cup	For grits
Plant-based Butter	2 Tablespoons	For grits
Garlic	1 clove	Microplaned or diced, for grits
Salt	½ teaspoon	For grits
Pepper	¼ teaspoon	For grits
Shrimp	1 pound	Peeled, deveined, and cut in thirds
Chili Garlic Sauce	1 Tablespoon
Olive Oil	1 Tablespoon
Garlic	2 cloves	For shrimp
Salt	½ teaspoon	For shrimp

Instructions

Step 1: Let’s make the creamy dairy-free grits. Bring the water and oat milk to a boil. It will bubble and steam. Doesn’t that smell amazing? I love how simple this easy shrimp and grits recipe starts. (Always whisk as you pour the grits in, or they’ll clump!).

Step 2: Whisk in the grits and turn the heat low. Stir it now and then for 5 minutes. It will get wonderfully thick. This is the secret to perfect garlic butter grits. Do you stir clockwise or counter-clockwise? Share below!

Step 3: Now whisk in the butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes. Then set it aside. Your creamy dairy-free grits are ready. I still laugh at how my grandson calls it “cheesy” oatmeal.

Step 4: Time for the chili garlic shrimp! Mix the shrimp pieces with chili garlic sauce, oil, and garlic. Let it sit for a minute. This makes the flavor just right for spicy shrimp and grits. (A hot pan makes the shrimp sizzle perfectly).

Step 5: Cook the sauce-coated shrimp in a skillet until pink. It only takes a few minutes. Then spoon it over your warm garlic butter grits. This dairy-free shrimp and grits is so good. It’s perfect for breakfast for dinner, too!

Creative Twists

Add chopped spinach to the grits for a green boost. Use the chili garlic shrimp as a taco filling. Swap shrimp for seasoned chickpeas for vegan shrimp and grits. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Top your bowl with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. A simple side salad balances the spicy shrimp and grits nicely. For a real treat, serve it with toasted crusty bread. This 30 minute shrimp and grits meal feels so special. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Shrimp and Grits Happy

Let’s talk about storing this lovely meal. The grits and shrimp should live in separate containers. Pop them in the fridge for up to two days. The grits will get thick and firm when cold. That is perfectly normal. Just add a splash of water or oat milk when you reheat them.

Reheat them gently on the stove. Use a low heat and stir often. This keeps your creamy dairy-free grits smooth. The chili garlic shrimp heats up in just a minute. I remember my first batch of grits. I left them out too long. They turned into a brick. A little warm milk fixed them right up.

Batch cooking this easy shrimp and grits recipe is a smart move. Double the grits on a Sunday. You have a quick base for breakfast for dinner later. This matters because it saves you time on busy nights. A good meal is waiting for you. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

We all face little problems when we cook. Here are three easy fixes. First, your grits are too thin. Just let them cook a bit longer. Keep stirring on low heat. They will thicken up nicely for your garlic butter grits.

Second, your shrimp is tough. This means it cooked too long. Shrimp cooks very fast. It only needs a minute or two per side. I once got talking on the phone. My shrimp turned into little rubber erasers. We laughed and ordered pizza.

Third, the dish lacks flavor. Taste your food as you cook. Do not be shy with the salt and garlic. This matters because good flavor makes you proud of your cooking. It builds your confidence. Fixing small issues makes every meal better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

How to make creamy grits for shrimp and grits

The secret is slow cooking and liquid. Use the recipe’s mix of water and oat milk. Whisk the grits in slowly once the liquid boils. Then, keep the heat low. Stir often for five to eight minutes. This slow cooking lets the grits absorb the liquid. It makes them wonderfully creamy. Finally, whisk in your plant-based butter and garlic. This adds rich flavor and a smooth finish to your dairy-free grits.

What is the best shrimp to use for garlic butter shrimp

For this easy shrimp and grits recipe, use raw shrimp. Look for shrimp that is peeled and deveined. This saves you time. Medium or large shrimp work best. You can use fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw it in the fridge first. Pat the shrimp dry before mixing it with the chili garlic sauce. This helps it get a nice sear in the pan.

Can I use quick grits instead of stone-ground

Yes, you can use quick grits. They will cook much faster. Follow the package directions for liquid and time instead. Just remember, stone-ground grits have more corn flavor. But quick grits make a fine 30 minute shrimp and grits meal. The key is to not stop stirring. This prevents lumps. You will still get a delicious, creamy dish for your spicy shrimp and grits.

What wine pairs well with garlic butter shrimp and grits

A crisp, white wine is lovely here. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines are light and a little citrusy. They cut through the rich, garlic butter grits nicely. They also complement the spice from the chili garlic shrimp. If you do not drink wine, a sparkling water with lemon is perfect. It cleanses your palate between bites.

How to prevent grits from becoming lumpy

The trick is in your whisk. Wait for your water and milk to boil. Then, sprinkle the grits in slowly. Whisk constantly as you add them. This separates the grains. After that, just stir often while they cook. A fun fact: a lump is just a group of grits that did not get wet. A good whisk at the start makes creamy dairy-free grits.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in creamy grits

For vegan shrimp and grits, use a rich non-dairy milk. Full-fat oat milk or canned coconut milk are great. They make the grits very creamy. You can also use unsweetened almond or cashew milk. Just know the grits will be a bit thinner. You can cook them longer to thicken. This swap is how you make delicious dairy-free shrimp and grits.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this dish. It is one of my favorite weeknight meals. It feels special but comes together so easily. Cooking should be fun, not stressful. I love hearing your stories too.

Tell me about your time in the kitchen. Have you tried this recipe? Did you make any fun changes? I read every comment you leave below. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!

—Marina Caldwell