Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe

I absolutely love this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe because it’s a perfect blend of comfort and elegance that you can whip up in no time. The creamy, cheesy grits paired with bright, garlicky shrimp bring so much flavor and warmth to the table—you’ll find it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for weeknights or even casual weekend brunches.

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed at how the simplicity of ingredients transformed into something so satisfying and special. Whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how accessible and forgiving this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe is. Plus, it feels fancy without any fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in harmony for a creamy, garlicky, lemony, and cheesy dish that’s a real winner. Grab fresh shrimp when you can, and don’t skip the parmesan—it adds amazing depth to the grits.

• Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water gives the grits a rich, savory base.
• Quick grits: Perfect for a fast-cooking dish—look for the Quaker Original or another reliable brand.
• Butter: Adds that silky richness both in the grits and while cooking the shrimp.
• Parmesan cheese: Gives salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the grits.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Olive oil: Helps cook the garlic and shrimp without burning while adding subtle fruity notes.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for bright, fragrant shrimp.
• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp works great; I usually use peeled and deveined for ease.
• Lemon: The juice adds a fresh zing that wakes up the whole dish.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley for color and a herbaceous finish, though dried works too in a pinch.

Variations

I love tweaking this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or how adventurous I’m feeling. Making it your own is easy; try swapping ingredients or adding extras to suit your taste.

• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic gives a lively warmth that my family adores.
• Cheese Choices: Try sharp cheddar or smoked gouda instead of parmesan for a different cheese vibe.
• Herb Swaps: Fresh cilantro or basil bring a fresh twist if you want to mix up the parsley.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Grits to Creamy Perfection

Start by bringing your chicken broth to a rolling boil over high heat—that rich broth is key to flavor-packed grits. Once boiling, stir in the quick grits alongside salt and pepper, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. The grits will absorb the liquid and thicken in about 5 minutes, so keep an eye on them here. When done, take them off the heat and stir in butter and parmesan cheese right away. Cover them again to stay warm while you prepare the shrimp, helping keep that creamy texture silky and smooth.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp with Lemon Zest

Heat butter and olive oil together in a pan over medium heat, then toss in your minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant—usually less than a minute—because burnt garlic can taste bitter! Add the shrimp, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sauté just until they turn pink and opaque, which should only take a few minutes per side. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get rubbery—that’s a rookie mistake I learned the hard way. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkling with parsley to brighten everything up.

Step 3: Plate and Enjoy Together

Spoon the warm, cheesy grits onto your plates and nestle the lemon garlic shrimp right on top. This dish is at its best when served immediately, so dive in while it’s warm and fragrant. Trust me, the contrast between the creamy grits and the zesty shrimp is irresistible.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or even some sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I drizzle a bit more lemon juice or add a few chili flakes for heat if we’re feeling adventurous—these little touches really elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often keep it simple with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus to add some freshness and crunch. A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is also a great choice to soak up all that buttery goodness from the shrimp and grits.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting brunch, I love serving this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe in individual ramekins or shallow bowls—you can garnish each portion beautifully with lemon twists and fresh herbs. It makes the presentation feel extra special without extra work. Occasionally, I’ve layered the grits with sautéed kale and topped with shrimp, creating a colorful and elegant dish that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover shrimp and grits in separate airtight containers in the fridge—they keep well for up to 2 days. The grits can thicken as they cool, so plan to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing the shrimp because they can get tough, but the grits freeze fine. If you do freeze the grits, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with extra liquid added. I recommend cooking fresh shrimp when you plan to eat leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the grits slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring in a little milk or broth until creamy again. For shrimp, I gently warm them in a skillet just until heated through to avoid overcooking. This method preserves the fresh lemon-garlic flavors and texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Grits Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something comforting but with a little fresh brightness. The combo of lemon, garlic, creamy parmesan grits, and seared shrimp is just unbeatable. I hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together and how much flavor you get with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weekday dinners feel special and brings everyone back for seconds.

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