Best Cajun Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Cajun Shrimp & Grits is a classic Southern dish that combines creamy, cheesy grits with spicy, flavorful shrimp. This dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. The blend of spices and the richness of the grits make this a truly comforting and satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor and comfort, look no further than this Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe. The shrimp are cooked to perfection in a spicy Cajun seasoning, while the grits are creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. This dish is a celebration of Southern cuisine, bringing together the best of bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re serving this for a special occasion or a casual meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What to Look Forward To: With this Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe, you can look forward to a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The spicy Cajun shrimp are perfectly balanced by the creamy, cheesy grits, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Each bite is a delightful combination of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for impressing guests.

Tools to Use

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Grits:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has reduced slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook until the shrimp are heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Serve:
- Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the Cajun shrimp and vegetables. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

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Best Cajun Shrimp & Grits Recipe

Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Grits:
4 cups water
1 cup stone-ground grits
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cajun Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bell pepper diced
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the Grits:
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has reduced slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook until the shrimp are heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Serve:
Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the Cajun shrimp and vegetables. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Cooking

Shrimp: Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined for the best texture. Don’t overcook them to keep them tender and juicy.
Grits: Stir the grits occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan. For extra creamy grits, you can add more heavy cream or milk.
Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a bit more.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the heart of the South. The spicy shrimp paired with the creamy, cheesy grits is a match made in culinary heaven. This dish is perfect for any meal and is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, bringing a touch of Southern charm to your table. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking for a comforting meal, this recipe has something for everyone. Serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Happy cooking!