Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits

A lightened-up version of the Southern classic, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a bright lemon-garlic butter over a bed of creamy, stone-ground grits. The citrus acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cornmeal, creating a balanced and elegant meal. It is a perfect, high-protein dish for brunch or a sophisticated weeknight dinner.

Prep 11 minCook 34 minTotal 45 minUpdated Jul 3, 202645 minHigh ProteinGluten Free

A lightened-up version of the Southern classic, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a bright lemon-garlic butter over a bed of creamy, stone-ground grits. The citrus acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cornmeal, creating a balanced and elegant meal. It is a perfect, high-protein dish for brunch or a sophisticated weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/2 tsp Grit, stone-ground
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, ground
  • 1/4 tsp Butter, unsalted
  • 0.25 oz Shrimp, uncooked peeled deveined
  • 1/4 tsp Butter, unsalted
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 0.48 tbsp Lemon, juiced
  • 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped
  • 0.55 piece(s) Lemon, cut

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan and slowly whisk in grits, followed by salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer the grits until tender and thickened, about 30 minutes.
  2. Stir 1 tablespoon unsalted butter into grits, season with more salt and black pepper if needed, and remove from heat. Cover pan and keep grits warm.
  3. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and black pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir shrimp, garlic, and cayenne pepper until shrimp are pink and no longer translucent inside, 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Stir 2 tablespoons water into shrimp and mix in lemon juice and parsley. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper if desired.
  5. Portion cooked grits into serving bowls and top with shrimp and sauce; serve with lemon wedges.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Storage

Store safely

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a few days when appropriate for the ingredients.

Meal prep

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