Shrimp and grits is a southern classic, but no classic recipe is above modifications in this kitchen! So, how can we put a new twist on shrimp and grits and sneak in some awesome healthy upgrades? With oats, of course. The texture of steel cut oats makes them a natural choice for a healthier alternative to traditional hominy grits in our Lemony Shrimp and Parmesan Oats.
Steel cut oats contain more fiber than grits, which can help you feel full and prevent over eating, great news for anybody watching their weight. Oats also have more protein than grits; one serving of steel cut oats has 5 grams of protein, while grits have just 1.5 grams per serving. Oats also contain more of the nutrients your body needs like iron, vitamin B6 and magnesium.
Have we enticed you yet? Just wait until you dig your fork into the cheesy, buttery oats. It’ll be love at first bite.
Speaking of love, nothing says “I love you” better than an elegant and delicious home-cooked meal. Today is Valentine’s Day, and we’re confident you’ll be able to impress your date with this healthier version of shrimp and grits. You don’t even have to tell them it’s healthier. The taste is so rich, they’ll never know if you don’t bring it up. And don’t worry about the garlic, if you’re both having it, who’s going to complain?
Before you go ahead and make this delectable dinner for a special someone, we’ve got a parting tip for you.
When cooking shrimp, keep this handy-dandy mnemonic device in mind. Perfectly cooked shrimp is shaped like “C.” C for cooked! Over cooked shrimp is shaped like an “O.” O for “Oh, the humanity, who did this? Who would overcook innocent shrimp like this?”
Now if you’ll excuse us, all this talk of shrimp and oats has got us hungry, so we’re off to make up another batch. All in the name of love, of course.
Lemony Shrimp with Parmesan Oats
Ingrédients
For oats:
- 2 cups steel cut oats (500 ml)
- 6 cups water (1500 ml)
- 1 tsp salt (5 ml)
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated (150 ml)
- 2 Tbsp butter divided (30 ml)
For shrimp:
- 2 Tbsp butter divided (30 ml)
- 2 tsp olive oil or canola oil (10 ml)
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp medium or large, peeled and deveined (750 g)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juice
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley chopped (60 ml)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
To make oats:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Stir in steel cut oats and salt. Reduce heat and simmer oats, covered or uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When oats are tender and creamy, stir in parmesan cheese and 2 Tbsp butter. Keep warm.
To make shrimp:
- In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter and olive oil.
- Add shrimp and garlic, and sauté, stirring constantly, until shrimp are pink.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
- Whisk in remaining butter to thicken sauce.
To serve:
- Divide parmesan oats between four shallow bowls.
- Top with shrimp and sauce and sprinkle with parsley.
Pro tip:
- Start your shrimp 5 minutes before oats are done. The addition of a little oil to the pan helps prevent the butter from burning.