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To make Garlic Herb Shrimp & Grits, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 cup coarse cornmeal - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup whole milk - 1 tablespoon butter - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - Green onions, sliced for garnish These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. The shrimp adds protein, while the grits provide a nice base. Spices are key to enhancing flavor. I recommend using: - Paprika: It adds a mild sweetness and color. - Smoked paprika: This brings a smoky note. - Salt and pepper: These are essential for balancing flavors. - Fresh herbs: Parsley and thyme add freshness and depth. These spices bring life to the dish. They help you enjoy each bite even more. You can customize your dish with some garnishes and add-ins: - Sliced green onions: They add a crunchy texture. - Extra fresh herbs: More parsley or thyme can enhance flavor. - A splash of hot sauce: If you want some heat, this is a great choice. These optional items let you personalize your meal. They can make Garlic Herb Shrimp & Grits even more enjoyable for you and your guests. To make the grits, start by boiling the broth. Use a medium saucepan and bring 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Once it bubbles, slowly whisk in 1 cup of coarse cornmeal. This step helps avoid lumps. After adding the cornmeal, reduce the heat to low. Stir the mixture often for about 15 to 20 minutes. This cooking time thickens the grits. For a creamy texture, add 1 cup of whole milk and 1 tablespoon of butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the grits warm while you cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great, but don’t let it burn. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and both types of paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp are ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Then stir in 1 tablespoon each of chopped parsley and thyme for extra flavor. To serve, take a generous scoop of the creamy grits. Place it on a plate and top with the garlic herb shrimp. For a nice touch, garnish with sliced green onions and any leftover fresh herbs. This dish looks and tastes amazing! To get creamy grits, start with the right cornmeal. Use coarse cornmeal for the best texture. Gradually whisk it into boiling broth. This step helps avoid lumps. Stir often while it cooks. After about 15-20 minutes, add whole milk, butter, salt, and pepper. This makes the grits rich and creamy. Keep them warm while you cook the shrimp. For the shrimp, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This step adds great flavor. Next, add the shrimp to the pan. Season them well with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Remove them from heat and drizzle lemon juice on top. This brightens the dish. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They can become tough and chewy if you cook them too long. Another mistake is not letting the grits thicken properly. If they stay too watery, they won't taste good. Lastly, be careful with salt. Too much can overpower the dish. Taste your grits and shrimp before serving to adjust flavors. {{image_2}} For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to your garlic herb shrimp. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to taste. You can also use spicy sausage with the shrimp for more heat. Cook the sausage first, then add the shrimp and spices. This gives you a flavorful twist that will wake up your taste buds. If you want a meat-free version, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies. Both options add depth and flavor. Use a mix of bell peppers and zucchini for brightness. You can also add some cooked spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Just toss them in with the garlic to get the best flavor. Want to amp up your dish? Try adding lemon zest for a fresh touch. You can also mix in a splash of white wine while cooking the shrimp. This adds a great depth of flavor. Other tasty options include crumbled feta cheese or sun-dried tomatoes. These give your meal a gourmet flair that everyone will enjoy. To store leftover shrimp and grits, let them cool to room temperature. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the shrimp from the grits if you can. This helps keep the texture fresh. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. If using the microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. For the skillet, add a splash of broth or milk to keep the grits creamy. Heat until warm, about five minutes. You can freeze shrimp and grits, but it's best to freeze them separately. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For the grits, use a container that can handle freezing. They will last for up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I recommend using large shrimp for this dish. They provide a nice bite. Look for shrimp that are fresh or frozen. They should be peeled and deveined. If you can, get wild-caught shrimp for better taste. Farmed shrimp can be okay but may lack flavor. Yes, you can use instant grits instead of coarse cornmeal. Instant grits cook faster and still taste great. However, they may not have the same texture. Coarse grits give a hearty feel. Instant grits make this dish quicker to prepare. Just follow the package directions for cooking time. To make garlic herb shrimp and grits dairy-free, skip the whole milk and butter. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead. You can also use vegan butter for a rich flavor. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. The taste will still be delightful and satisfying. Garlic herb shrimp and grits is a delightful dish that shines with flavor. We covered main ingredients and spices that bring it to life. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook with ease. Use tips to perfect your grits and shrimp every time. Explore variations for more fun with this recipe. Lastly, I provided storage info to keep your meal fresh. Enjoy your cooking and make this dish your own!

Garlic Herb Shrimp & Grits

Savor the delicious flavors of Garlic Herb Shrimp & Grits with this easy recipe! This comforting dish combines creamy grits and perfectly cooked shrimp, infused with garlic and fresh herbs for a delightful meal any night of the week. Discover step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering dish in just 40 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner experience today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup coarse cornmeal

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps.

    Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture thickens (about 15-20 minutes). Add the whole milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the grits for a creamy consistency. Stir well and keep warm.

      While the grits are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

        Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

          Remove the skillet from heat, drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp, and stir in the chopped parsley and thyme.

            To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto a plate and top with the garlic herb shrimp.

              Garnish with sliced green onions and additional fresh herbs if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4