Spicy Cajun Shrimp Grits (Printable)
Tender Cajun-spiced shrimp atop creamy, buttery grits with a hint of heat and rich flavors.
# What's Needed:
→ Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 green onions, sliced
07 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
08 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Grits
10 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
11 - 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
12 - 1 cup whole milk
13 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
14 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
15 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - Chopped fresh parsley
17 - Extra sliced green onions
18 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth and whole milk to a boil. Gradually whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and salt to taste. Keep warm.
02 - While grits cook, pat shrimp dry and toss with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced bell pepper; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add sliced green onions and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Deglaze skillet with chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Spoon creamy grits into bowls. Top with Cajun shrimp and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra green onions, and lemon wedges.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- It balances creamy, buttery grits with a lively kick of Cajun heat that feels like a shared culinary joy between close friends
- The combination of textures and flavors quickly became a go-to for those moments when you want something both familiar and exciting
02 -
- Patting shrimp dry before seasoning is non-negotiable for a nice sear instead of steaming
- Slow stirring when cooking grits transforms them from grainy to luxuriously creamy, patience is key
03 -
- Don<t overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp; giving each piece some space means better caramelization
- The splash of chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze your pan is the secret that turns leftover bits into irresistible sauce