Ultimate Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits: A Quick & Zesty Southern Comfort Dish
Indulge in a light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful lemon shrimp served over creamy, buttery, and subtly cheesy grits. This quick and easy meal brings Southern comfort to your table in minutes, perfect for any night of the week!
Shrimp stands out as one of my absolute favorite proteins for its incredible versatility and lightning-fast cooking time. Whether you’re craving bold spices, delicate herbs, or zesty citrus, shrimp readily absorbs flavors, transforming into a delicious dish in mere minutes. Plus, it’s a lean protein that’s remarkably good for you, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.
This particular recipe masterfully combines two beloved elements: a bright and zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp preparation with the comforting embrace of creamy grits. The grits are elevated with a touch of Parmesan cheese, offering a subtle, savory depth rather than an overpowering cheesiness. This creates a beautifully balanced dish where every bite is both fresh and comforting.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of getting a delicious, home-cooked dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, and this Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe does just that. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a flavorful and comforting meal. The vibrant, fresh flavors of lemon and garlic perfectly complement the rich and creamy grits, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight when you still crave something special. With minimal prep work, you can effortlessly assemble a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a delightful fusion of Southern tradition and bright, refreshing notes that will quickly earn a spot in your weekly rotation.
The Enduring Appeal of Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and Grits is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary icon, deeply rooted in the coastal South, particularly South Carolina. Originally a humble breakfast for fishermen, it has evolved into a sophisticated dish found on menus from casual diners to upscale restaurants across the country. The magic lies in its simplicity and the contrasting textures: the tender, succulent shrimp against the creamy, coarse cornmeal. While many traditional versions feature a rich, often smoky, gravy with bacon or sausage, our Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits offers a lighter, brighter interpretation, perfect for those seeking a fresh take on a classic. The addition of fresh lemon and garlic introduces a vibrant zing that cuts through the richness of the grits, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive flavor profile that’s sure to become a new family favorite. It’s a dish that evokes warmth and hospitality, now made accessible for a speedy weeknight supper.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Dish
Creating this delightful dish requires a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that make this recipe so special and ensures a harmonious balance of taste and texture:
- Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp, ensuring they are peeled and deveined for convenience. Larger shrimp (like 31/40 count) tend to be more succulent and less prone to overcooking, offering a more satisfying bite. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a proper sear.
- Butter: This golden ingredient is crucial for both the rich, creamy grits and for creating the flavorful base to sauté the shrimp. Using butter ensures a luxurious mouthfeel and deepens the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here. It infuses the shrimp with an aromatic depth that is foundational to the dish’s flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic in a jar for the best, most pungent results.
- Instant Grits: For speed and convenience, instant grits are perfect for this recipe. While stone-ground grits offer a different, chewier texture and require longer cooking, instant grits allow you to get this meal on the table in a flash without sacrificing creaminess. Ensure you follow the package directions for the correct liquid-to-grits ratio.
- Water: The primary liquid for cooking the grits. You can substitute some or all of it with chicken or vegetable broth for an even richer base flavor, adding another layer of savory complexity.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Always season generously but to taste throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground black pepper provides superior flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient for adding a savory, slightly nutty undertone to the grits. Don’t go overboard; the goal is a subtle flavor enhancer, not an overtly cheesy dish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and integrates more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a touch of cayenne adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice, elevating the dish without making it overtly hot. It complements the lemon and garlic beautifully. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for heat.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and wedges are paramount to this “lemon” shrimp dish. The juice adds a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich shrimp and grits, cutting through the butteriness and adding a refreshing zing. Lemon wedges are perfect for a fresh garnish and an extra squeeze at the table.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of green color and a clean, herbaceous finish. It’s used both in the shrimp sauce for flavor and as a final garnish to brighten the presentation.
How To Make Lemon Shrimp & Grits: A Step-by-Step Guide for Culinary Success
This recipe is designed for efficiency and maximum flavor, ensuring a gourmet experience in minimal time. Follow these steps for a perfect meal that will impress with its simplicity and taste:
- Start Your Grits: Begin by preparing the grits, as they will form the comforting foundation of your dish. Bring the specified amount of water (or broth, for richer flavor) to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Once boiling vigorously, slowly whisk in the instant grits along with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Whisking slowly and steadily for the first minute or so is crucial to preventing lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth, creamy consistency. Reduce the heat to low immediately after adding the grits, cover the pot tightly, and let them cook until they thicken, which usually takes about 5 minutes for instant grits. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter until both are fully melted and thoroughly incorporated. Cover the pot tightly once more to keep the grits warm and deliciously creamy while you swiftly prepare the shrimp.
- Prepare the Lemon Garlic Shrimp: While the grits are simmering, melt the remaining butter (1 tablespoon) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The key here is to get the butter hot enough to quickly sear the shrimp without burning. Once the butter is shimmering and foamy, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, the freshly minced garlic, and the cayenne pepper. Spread the shrimp in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. Sauté the shrimp for only about 3 to 4 minutes in total, flipping them once halfway through. Shrimp cooks incredibly quickly, so watch them closely; they are done when they turn opaque and pink and curl slightly. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, rubbery, and lose their delicate flavor, so timeliness is absolutely key here.
- Finish the Shrimp Sauce: As soon as the shrimp are perfectly pink and cooked through, immediately remove the skillet from the heat to halt the cooking process. This is a critical step to maintain their tender texture. Without delay, add 2 tablespoons of water and the fresh lemon juice to the hot skillet. The residual heat in the pan combined with the liquids will help deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom, which are packed with flavor and will form a light, vibrant sauce. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Toss everything well to ensure the shrimp are thoroughly coated in the zesty garlic-lemon sauce. This quick toss also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste the shrimp and sauce, then adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.
- Serve and Garnish for Perfection: To serve this exquisite dish, divide the warm, creamy grits evenly among four plates or shallow bowls, creating a comforting base. Spoon a generous portion of the lemon garlic shrimp and its bright, flavorful accompanying sauce over the grits on each plate. For an extra touch of freshness, vibrant color, and visual appeal, sprinkle with a little extra chopped fresh parsley. Finally, garnish each serving with a fresh lemon wedge. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating truly brightens the entire dish, bringing all the flavors to life and adding that quintessential lemony punch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success & Delicious Variations
Achieving the perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits is all about attention to detail and a willingness to customize. Here are some tips to make your dish extraordinary, along with ideas for delicious variations that can cater to different tastes and occasions:
Perfecting Your Grits:
- Avoid Lumps: When adding grits to boiling water, pour them in a slow, steady stream while continuously whisking with a whisk. This technique is absolutely key to preventing lumps and achieving a perfectly smooth, creamy consistency every time. Continue whisking for about a minute after adding to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Creaminess is Key: Don’t rush the cooking process, even with instant grits. Simmering on low heat allows the grits to absorb the liquid fully and become wonderfully creamy and tender. If they thicken too much during cooking or while waiting, you can always whisk in a splash of warm milk, water, or broth until the desired consistency is reached.
- Flavor Boost: For even richer and more complex grits, substitute chicken or vegetable broth for some or all of the water. This adds a savory depth that water alone cannot provide. A bay leaf added during cooking can also impart subtle aromatic notes, which you would remove before serving.
Mastering the Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcook: This is the golden rule for shrimp! Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, typically turning pink and opaque in just 2-4 minutes depending on their size. Overcooking will result in rubbery, tough, and unappetizing shrimp. As soon as they change color, remove them from the heat immediately.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Both fresh and good quality frozen shrimp work wonderfully. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed in cold water and thoroughly patted dry with paper towels before cooking. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of allowing them to sear, preventing that lovely golden crust.
- Clean Shrimp: Always use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best experience. You can buy them pre-cleaned to save time or do it yourself for optimal freshness. Leaving the tail on can be aesthetically pleasing but optional.
Exciting Variations to Explore:
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan offers a subtle, nutty flavor to the grits, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or even a creamy mascarpone can add different dimensions of flavor and richness, transforming the grits entirely.
- Amplify the Heat: If you love spice, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also be stirred into the shrimp during cooking or directly into the grits for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Make this a more complete one-bowl meal by sautéing some finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), onions, or even a handful of fresh spinach with the garlic and cayenne before adding the shrimp. This adds extra nutrients, vibrant color, and satisfying texture.
- Herb Swaps: Not a fan of parsley? Fresh chives, dill (especially good with lemon), or even a touch of fresh thyme can offer alternative aromatic profiles that complement shrimp beautifully.
- Smoky Twist: For a nod to traditional Southern flavors, you can cook a slice or two of bacon or Tasso ham until crispy, crumble it, and stir it into the grits or sprinkle over the top as a garnish. Use a tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat to sauté the shrimp for an extra layer of smoky depth and flavor.
- Creamier Grits: For an even richer, more indulgent grit base, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream along with the butter and Parmesan.
Storage & Reheating Lemon Shrimp & Grits
While this dish is undeniably at its absolute best when served immediately, as the shrimp are perfectly tender and the grits are at their creamiest, leftovers can be stored and reheated with a few considerations to maintain as much of their original quality as possible.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), it’s ideal to store the shrimp and grits separately if possible. Place them in separate airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. Cooked shrimp and grits will keep well for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the quality of the shrimp can significantly deteriorate, becoming less palatable.
Reheating: Reheating shrimp can be notoriously tricky as it’s very prone to becoming rubbery if overcooked again. For the best results with leftover shrimp, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth, just until warmed through. Avoid high heat and prolonged cooking, as this is what causes rubberiness. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave on a lower power setting (e.g., 50% power) for short bursts (30-60 seconds) can work, but be extremely mindful of the timing. The grits, on the other hand, tend to thicken considerably in the refrigerator as they cool. To reheat them, place them in a saucepan with a splash of milk, water, or broth. Stir constantly over low heat, gradually adding more liquid as needed, until they regain their creamy, desired consistency. You might need to add more liquid than you initially think to bring them back to life. Combine the reheated shrimp and grits just before serving for the best possible experience.
What Goes Wonderfully With Lemon Shrimp & Grits
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits is a fulfilling and flavorful meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can truly complete the dining experience. Given its rich, creamy, and zesty profile, fresh, light accompaniments work best to balance the flavors and add variety to your plate:
- Tossed Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is always a perfect complement. Its freshness provides a lovely contrast to the creamy grits and savory shrimp, cleansing the palate between bites.
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad: The sweet acidity of fresh heirloom tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, perhaps with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil, offers a delightful side that enhances the Mediterranean-inspired notes of the lemon and garlic in the dish.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that never disappoints! Crusty garlic bread, whether made in an air fryer or oven, is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce or grits, adding another layer of comforting flavor and satisfying texture to your meal.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: Quick and easy to prepare, roasted or air-fried asparagus provides a healthy, tender-crisp green vegetable that pairs beautifully with the dish without overpowering its delicate flavors. Fresh green beans or steamed broccoli would also be excellent choices.
More Easy Shrimp Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits, you’re in for a treat! Shrimp is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can transform into countless quick, healthy, and satisfying meals. Its fast cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights, and its ability to absorb a wide array of flavors means you’ll never run out of exciting new dishes to try. Here are some more fantastic and easy shrimp dinner recipes from our collection that you’ll want to add to your rotation, each offering a unique culinary adventure:
- Air Fryer Shrimp: Discover how to achieve perfectly crispy, succulent shrimp with minimal oil in your air fryer – a truly healthy and speedy weeknight favorite.
- Shrimp Summer Rolls: Light, fresh, and vibrantly flavored, these no-cook rolls are perfect for a warm weather appetizer or a healthy, refreshing main course.
- Coconut Shrimp: Indulge in a delightful blend of sweet and savory with these perfectly crispy coconut-crusted shrimp, always a crowd-pleaser and easy to make.
- Baja Shrimp Tacos: Bring the vibrant flavors of the coast to your kitchen with these zesty, fresh, and flavor-packed shrimp tacos, complete with a creamy sauce.
- One Pan Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Experience the ultimate in fuss-free cooking with this delicious recipe, featuring spicy, garlicky shrimp cooked alongside tender vegetables on a single sheet pan.
- Shrimp Tostadas: Enjoy crunchy tostada shells generously topped with seasoned shrimp and creamy avocado – a fantastic combination of textures and flavors for a quick meal.
- Shrimp & Grits: For those who love the classic Southern dish, this provides a more traditional approach to this beloved comfort food, rich and satisfying.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits
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Ingredients
- 3/4 cup instant grits
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoon butter, divided
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- lemon wedges, optional garnish
Instructions
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Bring water to a boil over high heat. Slowly whisk in the grits, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
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Add Parmesan cheese, 1 Tbsp butter, and stir until combined. Cover to keep warm.
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Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp, garlic, and cayenne. Cook until shrimp are pink, about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Remove from heat. Add 2 Tbsp water, lemon juice, and parsley. Toss to coat.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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To serve divide the grits among 4 plates, top with shrimp, and sauce.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley, and garnish with lemon wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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