SCAMPI-STYLE SHRIMP & GRITS
- WineCheeseScallops
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
Get ready for a coastal-meets-Southern fusion that tastes like summer evenings and comfort food coziness in one bite! These Scampi-Style Shrimp & Grits bring together velvety, cheesy grits with bright, buttery shrimp simmered in lemon, garlic, and parsley. It’s elegance meets down-home goodness — the perfect way to elevate a weeknight dinner without piling on the work.
This dish is fast, flavorful, and surprisingly light thanks to the bright scampi sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a relaxing date night at home, this shrimp and grits combo brings big flavor with very little effort.
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Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds richness, body, and savory depth to the grits, transforming simple instant grits into a creamy, luxurious base. Parmesan’s salty, nutty profile melts perfectly into hot grits, giving them a silky texture without needing heavy cream. Because Parmesan is naturally high in umami, it enhances the dish as a whole, balancing the acidity from the lemon and the sweetness of the shrimp.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley may seem simple, but it plays a major role in classic scampi. Fresh parsley adds brightness, aroma, and color, cutting through the richness of the butter and the creaminess of the grits. It brings a clean, herbal note that keeps the dish from feeling heavy and ties together the lemon, garlic, and shrimp. Using fresh rather than dried parsley makes all the difference — the flavor is sharper and more vibrant.
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Recipe Origin & Inspiration
Shrimp & Grits has long been a staple of Southern cooking — warm, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. But the idea for this version comes from blending traditional Lowcountry flavors with the bright, garlicky punch of shrimp scampi. The two dishes might seem worlds apart, but together they create a balance of creamy Southern comfort and zesty coastal freshness.
The inspiration behind this mashup came from wanting a shrimp & grits recipe that felt lighter and more vibrant than the typical bacon-heavy versions. Swapping smoky flavors for lemon, garlic, and butter transforms the dish into something that tastes indulgent yet fresh. It’s still rich and satisfying, but without feeling heavy — a perfect “best of both worlds” recipe that bridges comfort food and coastal cuisine.
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Tips, Serving Suggestions, & Storage Advice
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Instant grits cook quickly, so whisk them in slowly to avoid lumps.
Add a splash more water to the grits if they thicken while sitting.
Pat the shrimp dry so they sear instead of steaming.
Don’t overcook the shrimp; remove them as soon as they turn pink.
If the scampi sauce reduces too much, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic-lemon butter.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
This dish is best served immediately, as grits thicken the longer they sit.
Store leftovers in separate containers and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to revive the grits.
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream to the grits.
Use jumbo shrimp if you prefer meatier bites.
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Unique Recipe Qualities
Combines classic Southern comfort with bright Italian-style scampi flavors.
Ready in under 30 minutes yet tastes restaurant-quality.
Uses simple ingredients that create surprisingly bold flavor.
A lighter alternative to traditional bacon or sausage shrimp & grits.
Creamy Parmesan grits add depth without heavy cream.
Lemon and garlic create a fresh, vibrant profile.
Uses only one skillet plus one pot, making cleanup easy.
Adaptable for weeknights, entertaining, or date nights.
The dish feels indulgent without being overly rich.
Parsley and lemon brighten the buttery sauce beautifully.
Works with fresh or frozen shrimp.
A great introduction to grits for people who’ve never had them.
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Scampi-Style Shrimp & Grits
Ingredients
3/4 cup instant grits
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
2 large cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon, plus extra lemon wedges for serving
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, slowly whisk in the grits along with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter. Remove from heat, adjust seasoning as needed, and cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and garlic, cooking and tossing until the shrimp turn pink, about 4–5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of water, the lemon juice, and the parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and season again if needed.
Divide the grits among shallow bowls and spoon the shrimp and sauce over top. Serve with lemon wedges.
MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
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FAQ Section
Can I use stone-ground grits instead of instant?
Yes, but they’ll take much longer to cook. Adjust the liquid and cooking time according to package instructions.
Can I substitute another cheese for Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano works well, or use mild cheddar for a richer, creamier base.
Do I have to keep the shrimp tails on?
No — feel free to remove them for easier eating.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp hold up well and provide the best texture for this dish.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Sautéed spinach, tomatoes, or asparagus pair beautifully with the scampi flavors.
What if my grits get too thick?
Stir in a splash of warm water or broth to loosen them.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes — double all ingredients, but cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Can I make the grits ahead of time?
You can, but they thicken as they sit. Reheat with added liquid to restore creaminess.
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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