This Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe brings a delicious Southern comfort dish with a sweet and savory twist. Tender shrimp are glazed in a buttery honey garlic sauce and served over creamy, cheesy grits, making a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any time of day.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook according to package directions, stirring often.
3. Once grits are thickened, stir in cheddar cheese, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
4. In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add shrimp and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, add butter, honey, and garlic. Stir until butter is melted and sauce slightly thickens.
8. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the honey butter garlic sauce.
9. Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with shrimp, and drizzle extra sauce over the top.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 520 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 850mg

Flavor Profile of Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp and Grits

Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp and Grits is a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and buttery flavors. The rich combination of garlic and honey provides a luscious glaze for the shrimp, while the creamy, cheesy grits create a hearty and comforting base. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that appeal to both sweet and savory lovers.

The Role of Honey in the Dish

Honey plays a critical role by adding natural sweetness to the sauce, helping it thicken slightly while cooking. It complements the savory flavors of the garlic and butter, creating a glaze that clings beautifully to the shrimp, enhancing both appearance and flavor.

Why Garlic Elevates the Shrimp

Garlic adds a bold, aromatic punch that cuts through the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the honey. It introduces a savory depth that prevents the dish from becoming overly sweet, maintaining a perfect balance of flavors.

The Importance of Butter in the Sauce

Butter provides a silky texture and a rich flavor foundation for the sauce. It helps emulsify the honey and garlic, creating a luxurious coating that sticks to the shrimp and melds beautifully with the creamy grits.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Using large, fresh shrimp is ideal for this recipe. Larger shrimp hold up well under high heat and soak up the honey butter garlic sauce without becoming rubbery. Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp ensure the best texture and flavor.

The Secret to Perfect Grits

Stone-ground grits create the best texture for this dish. Slow-cooking them in water or chicken broth develops a creamy consistency. Adding cheddar cheese and heavy cream at the end ensures they are rich, flavorful, and a perfect counterpart to the bold shrimp topping.

Enhancing Grits with Cheese

Cheddar cheese brings sharpness and a creamy mouthfeel to the grits. It enhances their flavor and adds a salty element that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey butter shrimp.

The Role of Heavy Cream in Grits

Heavy cream gives the grits an ultra-smooth and luscious finish. It adds extra richness, making the dish feel indulgent without being overly heavy.

Balancing Heat with Paprika and Cayenne

A little paprika and optional cayenne pepper introduce a mild heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. It also adds a smoky note that deepens the flavor profile of the shrimp, making the dish more complex and satisfying.

Garnishing for Freshness

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a burst of color to the final dish but also brings a bright, herbaceous note that lightens up the rich flavors of the shrimp and grits.

Best Time to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp and Grits

This dish is versatile enough for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It is hearty enough for a main meal but also sophisticated enough to serve at special gatherings or casual dinner parties.

Making It Ahead

While best served fresh, parts of this dish can be prepared ahead. Grits can be made and reheated with a splash of cream or broth, and shrimp can be peeled and seasoned a few hours before cooking to save time.

Tips for Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the grits on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen them. Shrimp should be reheated carefully to avoid overcooking, ideally by tossing them briefly in a hot pan with a little butter.

Pairing Suggestions

Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp and Grits pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking shrimp is a common mistake that leads to a tough texture. Another is not seasoning the grits enough; without proper seasoning, they can taste bland and won’t provide the right foundation for the flavorful shrimp.

Variations to Try

You can customize this dish by adding crispy bacon bits to the grits, using different types of cheese like Gouda for a smoky flavor, or even adding a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp are a lean source of protein and contain essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. While the dish is rich, it offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, especially when portioned mindfully.

Adapting for Special Diets

For a gluten-free version, ensure that your grits are certified gluten-free. To make it lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce.

History and Southern Influence

Shrimp and grits originated as a humble fisherman’s breakfast in the Lowcountry of the Southern United States. Over time, the dish evolved into a beloved staple of Southern cuisine, often featured in both casual and fine dining settings.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp and Grits is a dish that embodies comfort and flavor. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy elements makes it an unforgettable meal for any occasion. By understanding the key components and techniques behind the dish, you can easily master it in your own kitchen, delighting family and guests with every rich and satisfying bite.