Description
Gouda Grits with Smoky Brown Butter Shrimp is a comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring creamy, cheesy grits paired with succulent shrimp tossed in a smoky brown butter sauce. Sweet corn and fresh chives add bright flavor and color, making this an indulgent yet approachable meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits (or stone-ground, follow package instructions)
- 8 ounces Gouda cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ears grilled sweet corn, kernels cut from the cob
- 2 tablespoons freshly snipped chives
- 1 pound raw peeled and deveined shrimp (large grilling shrimp preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
Instructions
- Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits and reduce heat to low. Cook according to package instructions until thickened.
- Add cheese and butter: Stir in Gouda cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Fold in grilled corn kernels and chives. Keep warm.
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and cumin.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foamy and slightly browned. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Spoon creamy gouda grits onto plates, top with smoky brown butter shrimp, and drizzle any remaining brown butter from the pan over the dish. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for the best texture and visual appeal.
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder for desired heat level.
- Stone-ground grits give a more authentic texture but require longer cooking time.
- Leftover grits can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of milk or stock.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg