Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Classic with a Zesty Twist

Herb-infused citrus butter and pepper jack cheese brighten up a beloved dinner staple.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 12, 2025

Herb-infused citrus butter and pepper jack cheese brighten up a beloved dinner staple.

If you crave the soulful comfort of Southern cuisine, few dishes compare to shrimp and grits. This version brings a vibrant update with its punchy lemon-garlic butter draped over plump, oven-roasted shrimp and nestled atop a creamy bowl of cheese-laced grits. Each bite marries briny seafood, rich dairy, and vivid citrus-herb notes—perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: Bright lemon and fresh parsley bring lift and balance to the savory shrimp and rich, cheesy grits.
Simple Steps: While impressive enough for guests, the preparation is approachable for home cooks.
Versatile Comfort: Serve as a warming dinner, a brunch centerpiece, or part of a celebratory feast.
Make-Ahead Tips: Some elements can be prepped in advance for stress-free assembly.

Ingredients

Below are the essential ingredients for each component of the dish. Gather fresh, quality items to make the flavors sing.

For the Shrimp

12 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp kosher salt
2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off per preference)

For the Grits

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking grits
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 cups grated pepper jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature for easier mixing)

Step-by-Step Directions

Preparing the Lemon-Garlic Shrimp

1. Make the herbed butter: In a food processor, pulse together butter and garlic until finely blended. Add parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and salt; process until just incorporated. Finally, add lemon juice and pulse again until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This herbed butter is the flavor powerhouse for your shrimp.
2. Arrange and flavor the shrimp: On a large rimmed baking sheet, spread shrimp in a single, even layer. Dot the shrimp generously with the herbed butter, ensuring each piece is coated for maximum flavor as it roasts.
3. Roast to perfection: Bake in a preheated 375˚F (190˚C) oven. The shrimp will be cooked through and blush pink in about 10 minutes. Remove immediately to avoid overcooking. Pour any melted herbed butter left on the pan over the finished shrimp and gently toss to coat.

Cooking Creamy, Cheesy Grits

1. Bring broth to a boil: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth with 2 cups water and bring to a lively boil over high heat.
2. Cook the grits: Slowly whisk in the grits and kosher salt, ensuring no lumps. Lower the heat to keep the mixture at a brisk simmer without splattering. Stir frequently as the grits thicken, about 4 minutes.
3. Add the cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated pepper jack and mascarpone cheese, mixing until completely melted, smooth, and thickened (3 to 4 minutes more). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assembly and Serving

Divide the hot, creamy grits among individual serving bowls (or plates with a deep center).
Top each mound of grits with a generous portion of lemon-garlic shrimp. Spoon over any herbed butter pan sauce to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a dash more red pepper flakes if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Grits

Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t rush the herbed butter; let the food processor do the work for a creamy, even spread.
Monitor shrimp carefully in the oven to prevent overcooking. They are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Stir the grits regularly and cook until just thick—overcooked grits can become too stiff.
Customize your grits: While pepper jack adds gentle heat, you can substitute or blend in cheddar or Gouda for different flavor profiles.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Balance with Greens: A crisp green salad (spring mix with vinaigrette, arugula with lemon) adds freshness and contrast to the rich, creamy shrimp and grits.
Wine Match: Try serving with a citrus-forward Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the lemon and cut through the butter.
Bread: Crusty bread or soft buttermilk biscuits soak up any leftover herbed butter sauce.
Brunch Twist: Top with a poached egg or serve alongside roasted asparagus for an elevated weekend brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Butter: The lemon-garlic herb butter can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored refrigerated.
Grits: Cooked grits thicken as they cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, stir in a splash of milk or broth until creamy again.
Shrimp: For best results, cook shrimp just before serving. If reheating, do so gently to avoid rubbery texture.

Variations and Add-Ons

Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika to the butter mixture for Southern heat.
Vegetable Additions: Roasted bell peppers or sautéed spinach can add color and extra nutrition.
Bacon or Andouille Sausage: For an even heartier dish, crisp up bacon or sliced sausage and sprinkle over the top.
Cheese Options: Experiment with sharp cheddar, fontina, or Gruyère for a unique cheesy base.

Recipe Table: At-a-Glance

Component	Key Ingredients	Prep Time	Cook Time	Notes
Shrimp	Shrimp, butter, garlic, parsley, lemon, pepper flakes	10 mins	10 mins	Use large shrimp for best texture
Grits	Chicken broth, grits, pepper jack, mascarpone	5 mins	8 mins	Whisk steadily to avoid lumps
Assembly	Herbed butter, fresh herbs, lemon	—	—	Serve immediately for best results

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Ensure they are fully thawed and dried before coating with the herbed butter for roasting.

Q: What can I substitute for mascarpone in the grits?

A: Cream cheese or a combination of heavy cream and extra cheese will yield a similarly rich, creamy result.

Q: Are instant or stone-ground grits better?

A: Classic stone-ground grits offer deeper flavor and texture but require longer cooking. Quick-cooking grits are perfectly acceptable for a faster meal.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

A: If you don’t have a food processor, finely mince the herbs and garlic and mash with softened butter using a fork until well-blended.

Q: How spicy is this dish?

A: The level of heat is modest, mainly from the red pepper flakes and pepper jack cheese. Adjust according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the quantity of these ingredients.

Pro Kitchen Tips

For additional flavor, toss peeled shrimp with a little olive oil and lemon zest before adding the butter mixture.
To prevent lumpy grits, add them gradually while whisking briskly into boiling liquid.
Let finished grits sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving for a silkier texture.

Nutrition Information

While the exact nutritional values depend on portion sizes and ingredient brands, a typical serving is:

Calories: 500-600 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 32g
Sodium: Around 1500mg (based on salted butter and cheese)

These numbers are provided for reference and may vary based on modifications.

Conclusion

With its alluring combination of spicy, creamy, citrusy, and savory notes, this Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits delivers a memorable taste of the South—one that’s sure to become a favorite at your family table. By mastering a few simple techniques, you can bring restaurant-level comfort right into your own kitchen—no culinary degree required!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb