Sautéed Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy stone-ground grits topped with pan-seared shrimp in a garlic-herb butter sauce, finished with fresh parsley for bright contrast. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs Stone-ground grits, Water, Salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until thickened, adding more water if too thick.
  2. Step 2: While grits cook, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Pour the cooked grits into a serving dish and top with the shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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