There’s something truly magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug. For me, that’s Cajun Shrimp & Grits. It’s a taste of home, straight from the heart of Louisiana. I remember my grandmother making something similar, though maybe a bit simpler, on special Sunday afternoons. The aroma alone would fill our little house. Now, I love bringing that same authentic Southern flavor into my own kitchen, easily. This recipe is my way of sharing that comfort with you. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something deeply satisfying without a fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp & Grits Recipe
This Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe is a real winner! It’s super quick. You can whip it up in just 35 minutes total. That’s faster than most takeout! Plus, it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have. No fancy trips to specialty stores needed. You get that amazing, authentic Southern flavor. It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s comforting and so satisfying. You’ll feel like you’re getting a warm hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly easy to make. The rich taste will win everyone over.
- Ready in only 35 minutes.
- Uses simple, accessible ingredients.
- Delivers genuine Southern charm and taste.
- Ideal for busy weeknights.
- So comforting and deeply satisfying.
Gather Your Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp & Grits
To make this delicious Cajun Shrimp & Grits, gather these simple items. You’ll need one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. We also need one tablespoon of olive oil. Two tablespoons of unsalted butter add richness. You’ll want half a cup of chopped yellow onion. A quarter cup of chopped green bell pepper is next. Then, add a quarter cup of chopped red bell pepper. Two cloves of garlic, minced, bring great flavor. A teaspoon of Cajun seasoning is key. A quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional for heat. One cup of chicken broth makes the sauce. Half a cup of heavy cream adds creaminess. One cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts into the sauce. Finally, serve over half a cup of cooked grits. Quality ingredients make all the difference!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
For the creamiest grits, I love using stone-ground grits. They have a wonderful texture. If you can’t find them, regular grits work too! Don’t have sharp cheddar? Monterey Jack or a good Colby cheese are tasty swaps. Want more spice? Add a little more cayenne pepper. Not a fan of heat? Leave the cayenne out completely. You can also use a milder Cajun seasoning blend if you prefer. Fresh parsley or green onions make a lovely garnish. They add a pop of color and freshness. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings!
Simple Steps to Delicious Cajun Shrimp & Grits
Let’s get cooking! Making this dish is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps. You’ll have a taste of Louisiana in no time. It’s a straightforward process. It guarantees a wonderful meal.
Preparing the Shrimp
First, pat your shrimp completely dry. This helps them sear nicely. Season them well with salt and pepper. Grab a large skillet. Add your olive oil and butter. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for just 1-2 minutes per side. They should turn pink. Don’t overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the skillet. Set them aside for later. This keeps them tender.
Building the Flavorful Sauce
Now, into the same skillet, add your chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook them until they soften. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Add the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, if you’re using it. Cook for another minute. Let those wonderful smells fill your kitchen. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let the sauce simmer. Cook it for 3-5 minutes. It should start to thicken up nicely. This creates a lovely base.
Bringing It All Together
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and smooth. This makes the sauce wonderfully creamy. Taste the sauce. Add salt and pepper as needed. Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir them into the sauce. Make sure every shrimp is coated. Serve this delicious Cajun shrimp mixture right away. Spoon it generously over your prepared grits. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. It looks and tastes amazing!
Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp & Grits Every Time
Want your Cajun Shrimp & Grits to be absolutely perfect? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, always pat your shrimp dry before seasoning. This is crucial for getting a good sear. A wet shrimp will steam, not sear. Don’t overcrowd your skillet when cooking the shrimp. Cook them in batches if needed. This ensures they brown nicely. It also keeps them from getting mushy. Remember those stone-ground grits? They really do make a difference for creaminess. But if they aren’t available, don’t fret! Regular grits are still delicious. Throughout the cooking process, taste as you go. Adjust the salt, pepper, and especially the cayenne pepper. This lets you control the spice level perfectly. It’s your kitchen, your rules!
Serving and Storing Your Cajun Shrimp & Grits
This dish is fantastic served piping hot. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a lovely burst of color. It really brightens up the plate. It also adds a nice fresh taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce if you like extra kick. Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth. This helps keep the grits creamy. Avoid microwaving if you can. It can make the grits a bit gummy. Enjoying it fresh is best!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cajun Shrimp & Grits
Got questions about our Cajun Shrimp & Grits? I’m happy to help! Wondering if you can make it spicier? Absolutely! Just add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Not a fan of heat? Skip the cayenne altogether. What kind of grits are best? For extra creaminess, stone-ground grits are my top pick. But any good quality grits will work wonderfully. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, you can. Just add them at the very end and heat through gently. Don’t cook them for too long, or they’ll get tough. How long does this recipe take? It’s quite fast! The total time is only about 35 minutes. This makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Nutritional Estimate for Cajun Shrimp & Grits
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of our delicious Cajun Shrimp & Grits. Please keep in mind these numbers are approximate. They can change based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. We aim for a balanced dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This estimate gives you a general idea of what you’re enjoying.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Amazing Cajun Shrimp & Grits from 1 Family
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe brings Southern comfort to your dinner table. Enjoy spicy shrimp over creamy cheese grits for an iconic Louisiana dish made easily at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked grits
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Serve the Cajun shrimp mixture over cooked grits.
Notes
- For extra creamy grits, use stone-ground grits.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
