Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Grits

My First Time With Shrimp and Grits

I was a young newlywed in a new town. A kind neighbor brought me a plate of lemon garlic shrimp and grits. I had never tried grits before. I was so nervous.

One bite changed everything. The creamy, cheesy grits hugged the tangy shrimp. It felt like a warm hug on a plate. I asked for the shrimp and grits recipe right away. I still make it just like she taught me.

Why This Meal Is a Lifesaver

This is my go-to easy shrimp and grits for busy nights. It truly is a quick weeknight dinner. You can have it ready in about 20 minutes. That matters when everyone is hungry and tired.

The other reason it matters? It feels special. It is a family favorite dinner that doesn’t take all day. You get to sit together and share a good meal. That time together is so important.

Secrets to Perfect Cheesy Grits

Let’s talk about how to make grits. The broth is the secret. It cooks the grits and gives them flavor. Stir them well so they get nice and creamy.

Then comes the best part. Stir in that butter and parmesan cheese. It makes the most amazing cheesy grits. Doesn’t that smell amazing? *Fun fact: “Grits” comes from the Old English word “grytt,” meaning coarse meal.*

Cooking the Lemon Garlic Shrimp

While the grits cook, start your shrimp. Use a big pan. Melt your butter with olive oil and garlic. That sizzle is the best sound in the kitchen.

Add your shrimp. They cook so fast. When they turn pink, they are done. Finish with a big squeeze of fresh lemon juice. That bright, sunny flavor makes the whole dish sing. What’s your favorite way to cook shrimp?

Bringing It All Together

Spoon those creamy grits into a bowl. Top them with your lemon garlic shrimp and all the buttery sauce. Sprinkle on some parsley for a fresh touch.

This dish is a classic southern shrimp and grits, made simple. It proves that healthy quick easy recipes can be full of flavor. It’s a complete 20 minute meal that everyone loves. Do you have a family recipe that was given to you by a friend or neighbor? I’d love to hear about it.

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: First, let’s make the cheesy grits. Boil the chicken broth in a pot. It will smell so good. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the grits, salt, and pepper. (Always stir as you pour to avoid lumps.) Cover it and turn the heat down. This is the start of your easy shrimp and grits.

Step 2: Now, cook the lemon garlic shrimp. Melt butter and oil in a pan. Add your minced garlic. Saute until you can smell that amazing garlic. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This is the heart of our southern shrimp and grits.

Step 3: Add the shrimp to your garlic butter. Cook them until they turn pink and curl. Don’t walk away—they cook fast! This is why it’s a perfect 20 minute meal. What’s your favorite quick weeknight dinner? Share below!

Step 4: Check your grits. When the liquid is gone, take them off the heat. Stir in the butter and parmesan cheese. Cover it to keep it warm. Learning how to make grits this way creates the creamiest, cheesiest grits ever.

Step 5: Finish your lemon garlic shrimp and grits. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Sprinkle with parsley for a fresh pop. Serve the shrimp right on top of the warm, cheesy grits. This family favorite dinner is ready to enjoy!

Creative Twists

Add crispy chopped bacon on top for a salty crunch. Stir a big handful of fresh spinach into the hot shrimp. Use a lime instead of a lemon for a different zing. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Serve this easy shrimp and grits with a simple green salad. Garlic bread is great for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter meal, add steamed green beans on the side. This shrimp and grits recipe is so versatile. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Shrimp and Grits Happy

Let’s talk about storing this lovely meal. First, keep shrimp and grits separate in the fridge. They stay fresher that way. Use airtight containers. They will be good for two days. You can freeze the shrimp part for a month. The cheesy grits are best fresh.

I remember my first time. I stored them together. The grits soaked up all the sauce. It was a sad, dry lunch. Now I know better. Batch cooking the shrimp is a smart move. It makes a quick weeknight dinner even quicker.

Why does this matter? Life gets busy. Having a family favorite dinner ready helps. It turns a stressful night into a cozy one. To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a pan. Add a splash of water. Microwave the grits with a little milk. Stir well to bring them back to life.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

We all face little problems when cooking. Here are three easy fixes. First, gritty grits. If your grits feel sandy, you did not stir enough. Stir constantly when you first add them to the broth. This makes them perfectly smooth.

Second, tough shrimp. I once cooked shrimp too long. They were like little pink erasers. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl. This takes only a few minutes. It keeps them tender and juicy.

Third, bland flavor. Taste your food as you cook. Do not be shy with the salt and lemon. Why does this matter? Fixing small issues builds your confidence. It also makes the flavors in your easy shrimp and grits really sing. Good food should make you smile.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What are the best grits to use for creamy shrimp and grits?

Use quick-cooking grits for this 20 minute meal. They are consistent and easy to find. Stone-ground grits are wonderful but take longer. The key to creamy grits is constant stirring at the start. This shrimp and grits recipe works perfectly with quick grits. You will get a smooth, comforting base for your tasty lemon garlic shrimp.

How do you prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Do not overcook them. Shrimp cook very fast. Watch for them to turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Then they are done. Remove them from the heat right away. This is the secret to tender shrimp in any healthy quick easy recipes. Overcooking makes them tough and chewy.

Can you make lemon garlic shrimp and grits ahead of time?

You can prepare parts ahead. Cook the shrimp mixture and store it separately from the cheesy grits. Reheat the shrimp gently in a pan. Add a tiny bit of water or broth. Reheat grits on the stove with a splash of milk. Stir well. This keeps your quick weeknight dinner fast and delicious.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the grits?

You do not need heavy cream here. This easy shrimp and grits recipe uses broth for flavor. The butter and parmesan cheese add all the richness you need. For extra creaminess, stir in a little whole milk at the end. You will still learn how to make grits that are wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can easily add a kick. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. You could also use a dash of hot sauce. Add it when you cook the shrimp. This lets you customize your southern shrimp and grits. Make it as mild or as spicy as your family likes.

What wine pairs well with lemon garlic shrimp and grits?

A crisp, white wine is lovely. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines are light and a little citrusy. They match the lemon garlic shrimp and grits perfectly. The wine’s acidity cuts through the rich, cheesy grits. It makes for a very nice meal.

*Fun fact: Grits are made from dried corn, a plant native to the Americas!*

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It truly is a family favorite dinner in my home. The smell of garlic and lemon fills the kitchen. It brings everyone to the table with a smile.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it went for you. Did your family cheer? Sharing stories is the best part of food.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below. I read every single one.

Happy cooking!

—Danielle Monroe.