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### **Instructions**
#### 1. **Prepare the Grits**
Bring water or broth to a boil, slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened and creamy (about 20-25 minutes). Stir in butter and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
#### 2. **Fry the Shrimp**
Dip shrimp in buttermilk, then dredge in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry shrimp until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
#### 3. **Make the Crab Cream Sauce**
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crab meat and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice, simmer gently until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
#### 4. **Assemble and Serve**
Spoon creamy grits onto plates, top with crispy shrimp, and generously drizzle crab cream sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
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### **Tips & Variations**
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the dredging mixture or sauce.
* **Make it lighter:** Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the sauce.
* **Extra richness:** Stir in a bit of Parmesan or smoked gouda to the grits.
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### **Serving Suggestions**
Serve this dish with:
* A side of sautéed greens or collard greens
* Fresh crusty bread to soak up extra sauce
* A crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea
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### **Final Thoughts**
This **Crispy Shrimp & Grits with Crab Cream Sauce** recipe takes a traditional Southern favorite and turns it into a luxurious feast worthy of any occasion. The interplay of crispy textures, creamy grits, and decadent crab sauce will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
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