Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe combines tender, spicy shrimp with creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits for a comforting and flavorful Southern classic. Perfect for a hearty main course, it balances bold Cajun spices with the richness of bacon, sharp cheddar, and butter, topped with fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Vegetables and Bacon
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the grits, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Keep the grits warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Bacon and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Then stir in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in the lemon juice to the vegetable and bacon mixture. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the shrimp fully with the flavors. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld the ingredients.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy grits into serving bowls, top with the Cajun shrimp and vegetable mixture, and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir a splash of hot sauce into the grits or drizzle it over the shrimp before serving.
- Stone-ground grits offer the best texture and flavor, but quick grits can be substituted for a faster preparation time.
- If you prefer less spicy food, reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or use a milder seasoning blend.
- Ensure to stir the grits frequently while cooking to prevent clumping or sticking.
