Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Creamy Herb Grits

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a dish that's both comforting and packed with flavor, look no further than this Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Creamy Herb Grits. It's a delightful blend of Southern comfort with a citrusy kick, perfect for when you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Creamy Herb Grits

Stone-ground grits are the heart of this dish, offering that hearty, comforting base. The mix of water and whole milk gives them a creamy texture, while salt enhances their flavor. Adding unsalted butter and sharp cheddar cheese makes them even richer and more indulgent. Fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness to the creamy mix.

The star of the dish, large shrimp, pairs beautifully with olive oil to form a succulent, savory topping. Garlic brings a punch of flavor, and lemon zest with lemon juice add a bright, zesty note. A touch of black pepper rounds everything out, and fresh chives provide a subtle herbal finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your grits start to thicken too much while sitting, simply stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen them up.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, try sautéing the shrimp in a bit of the leftover cheddar cheese.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp! They toughen quickly, so aim for a firm yet tender texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli would complement the flavors nicely without overwhelming the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might differ slightly. Adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
What if I don't have fresh parsley or chives?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Is there a substitute for whole milk?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of heavy cream and water for a similar creamy consistency.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Creamy Herb Grits Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Pour in 3 cups of water and 1 cup of whole milk, and bring them to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits along with 1 teaspoon of salt. It's important to add the grits gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once everything's combined, reduce the heat to low and let the grits cook for about 25 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them to be thick and creamy, so keep an eye on them.

While the grits are cooking, let's take care of the shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 pound of shrimp. Let them cook for about 2 minutes, just until they start to turn color. Now, toss in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Back to the grits — once they're ready, stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Give them a good stir to melt the butter and cheese, then remove from heat and keep them warm.

To serve, spoon a generous helping of the creamy grits onto a plate or bowl and top with the lemon garlic shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped chives, and you're ready to enjoy this comforting yet zesty meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy grits and zesty, garlicky shrimp.
  • Quick and easy to make — on the table in under 40 minutes.
  • Impressive yet simple, great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
  • Uses easily accessible ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup stone-ground grits
3 cups water
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water and milk to a simmer. Slowly whisk in grits and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 25 minutes until thick.
2. Stir in butter, cheddar cheese, and parsley into the grits. Remove from heat and keep warm.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper to the shrimp. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Serve the shrimp over the creamy grits, garnished with chives.

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