Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Shrimp & Grits dish in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Grits

1. Bring Broth to a Boil: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Whisk in Grits: Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits in a steady stream to prevent clumping.
3. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The grits should thicken and become creamy.
4. Add Milk and Cream: Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits are very smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in Cheese and Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter until melted and fully incorporated.
6. Season the Grits: Season the grits with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp. You can cover the pot and set it aside, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. If the grits become too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to loosen them up.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. Patting them dry helps them brown nicely in the butter.
2. Melt Butter in Skillet: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat distribution), melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Shrimp to Skillet: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
5. Cook Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Do not overcook, or they will become rubbery.
6. Deglaze with White Wine (or Broth): Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine reduce slightly for about 1 minute.
7. Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
8. Season the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon Grits into Bowls: Divide the creamy grits among bowls.
2. Top with Garlic Butter Shrimp: Spoon the garlic butter shrimp and sauce over the grits in each bowl.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a lemon wedge, if desired.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy grits and flavorful garlic butter shrimp!