Heat oil in a medium-sized pot. Add onion and garlic and cook until onions are translucent.
Add molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worchestershire sauce, paprika, chili powder, mustard, black pepper, and hot sauce to pot. Bring to a simmer. Taste and add salt if desired.
Use an immersion blender or transferring to a blender, blend BBQ sauce until smooth. Return to sauce to pot and place over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are heated through, about 10 minutes.
While the BBQ sauce is simmering, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add ½ tsp. salt. While whisking, pour in dry grits. Cook until desired consistency is reached.
Reduce heat to low and stir in butter, shredded cheese, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Serve grits topped with BBQ shrimp and serve immediately
Recipe by For the Love of Gourmet at https://fortheloveofgourmet.com/bbq-shrimp-and-grits/