Description
Make this classic Southern Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe for a comforting and flavorful dinner. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for company. You will love the rich, savory flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for sauce)
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until thick. This usually takes about 5 minutes for quick grits.
- While grits cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, making a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Do not overcook.
- Stir the milk and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into the cooked grits. Heat gently until warmed through.
- Spoon the creamy grits into bowls. Top generously with the Cajun shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use stone-ground grits, but they will require a longer cooking time, often 30-40 minutes.
- For extra richness, substitute some of the water with dry white wine when cooking the grits.
- Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce to the finished shrimp for extra heat.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp so they sear nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 280mg