Cajun Shrimp And Grits Recipe

This Cajun Shrimp And Grits Recipe is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor. It comes from Southern comfort cooking. This dish mixes soft grits with juicy shrimp. Cajun spices add warmth without being too spicy.

Many families love this meal for dinner or brunch. This Cajun Shrimp And Grits Recipe is easy to follow at home. If you want comfort food, this is perfect. This guide clearly explains how to make Cajun Shrimp And Grits step by step.

The Secret Behind This Delicious

The secret is timing and balance. Creamy grits must stay smooth and warm. Shrimp must cook fast to stay juicy. Cajun seasoning brings smoky flavor.

Butter and garlic add richness. A little lemon keeps everything fresh. Cooking shrimp last keeps them tender. Stirring grits slowly makes them silky. These simple steps create deep flavor with little effort.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Cajun Shrimp And Grits
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Southern Cajun
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients You Need for Cajun Shrimp And Grits

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Quick-cooking grits
• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley or green onions

These are the main ingredients for Cajun Shrimp And Grits. They are easy to find.

Instructions

1. Boil the Liquid

Add chicken broth and milk to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

2. Cook the Grits

Slowly stir grits into boiling liquid. Reduce heat. Cook while stirring until thick and creamy.

3. Add Cheese and Butter

Stir butter and cheddar cheese into grits. Mix until smooth. Season lightly with salt.

4. Keep Grits Warm

Lower heat and cover the pot. Stir sometimes to keep grits creamy and soft.

5. Season the Shrimp

Place shrimp in a bowl. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, pepper, and salt. Toss gently to coat.

6. Heat the Skillet

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Use medium-high heat for best shrimp sear.

7. Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp to hot skillet. Cook one to two minutes per side until pink.

8. Add Garlic and Lemon

Add garlic to shrimp. Stir quickly. Splash lemon juice. Cook thirty seconds more.

9. Taste and Adjust

Taste shrimp and grits. Adjust salt or spice if needed before serving.

10. Assemble the Dish

Spoon grits into bowls. Top with shrimp. Pour pan sauce over everything.

11. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle parsley or green onions on top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use stone-ground grits for deeper flavor.
• Add cream instead of milk for richer grits.
• Use smoked sausage with shrimp for variety.
• Add cayenne for extra heat.
• Use shrimp stock instead of broth.
• Swap cheddar with parmesan or gouda.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	28 g
Fat	22 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	680 mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun Shrimp and Grits hot. Add crusty bread on the side. A green salad balances the richness. Roasted vegetables work well too. This dish fits brunch or dinner. Serve with iced tea or lemonade. It also pairs well with light white wine.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers. Keep shrimp and grits separate if possible. Refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat grits slowly with added milk. Reheat shrimp in a pan for best texture. Avoid microwaving shrimp too long. It can turn rubbery.

FAQs about Cajun Shrimp And Grits

Can I make Cajun Shrimp And Grits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare grits ahead. Reheat slowly with milk. Cook shrimp fresh for best texture.

What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium or large shrimp work best. Fresh or frozen shrimp are fine if fully thawed before cooking.

Are grits the same as polenta?
They are similar but not the same. Grits use white corn. Polenta uses yellow corn.

How spicy is Cajun Shrimp And Grits?
This recipe is mildly spicy. You can reduce or increase seasoning easily based on taste.

Can I make this recipe without dairy?
Yes, use plant milk and dairy-free butter. Skip cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

This Cajun Shrimp And Grits Recipe brings Southern comfort to your table. It is creamy, bold, and filling. The steps are simple and clear.

You now know how to make Cajun Shrimp And Grits at home. With helpful tips and variations, you can adjust flavors easily. This dish works for family dinners or special meals. Try it once, and it may become a favorite.