Southern Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Southern Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and zest. It's a delightful dish that's sure to become a family favorite, especially when you crave something hearty yet refreshing.

Ingredients for Southern Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits

The shrimp is the star of this dish, bringing a light and fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy grits. The stone-ground grits provide a hearty base, with their rich, nutty taste. Adding sharp cheddar cheese to the grits enhances their creaminess and depth. The butter adds a luscious, rich texture to both the grits and the shrimp. Garlic and lemon bring a punchy, aromatic zest that wakes up your tastebuds. Fresh green onions and parsley add a pop of color and freshness, while paprika offers a subtle warmth. Finally, olive oil serves as a light and healthy cooking medium.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best taste and texture.
  • Pre-grated cheese can have additives that prevent it from melting smoothly, so grate your own if you can.
  • Adjust the lemon to your taste — more for a zingy kick, less for a subtle hint.
  • To save time, prep your ingredients before you start cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette, accentuating the lemony notes in the shrimp. A side of roasted asparagus or sautéed greens complements the creamy grits and adds a nutritious touch. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with a side of cornbread for a full Southern experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. Stone-ground grits provide a richer, more authentic taste.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but use sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep the texture creamy.

Southern Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits Recipe Walkthrough

To start, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan. As the water bubbles away, gradually stir in the grits, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking, and to make sure the grits cook evenly.

Once the grits have thickened, stir in the grated cheese and a tablespoon of butter. Season it all with a bit of salt and pepper to your taste. Cover the pot to keep the grits warm and melty while you prepare the shrimp.

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant — that’s your sign it’s ready. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and paprika, and let them cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

With the shrimp cooked, stir in the lemon juice, zest, and the remaining butter. Toss everything to coat the shrimp well, and you’ll notice a lovely, aromatic glaze forming.

Now for the best part: spoon the creamy, cheesy grits onto a plate and top them with the lemon-garlic shrimp. Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of green onions and parsley for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy grits and bright, tangy shrimp.
  • Quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.
  • A delightful way to explore Southern cuisine at home.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in the grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in cheese and 1 tbsp of butter into the grits, season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Stir in lemon juice and zest, and the remaining butter into the shrimp mixture, tossing to coat.
6. Serve shrimp over the hot cheesy grits, garnished with green onions and parsley.

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