Cajun Shrimp and Grits – the perfect bite

Where do grits come from?

Grits are ground white or yellow corn that is coarsely ground to give it a chewy texture. This Native American grain is a standard gluten-free staple in many pantries. People made the nutrients of corn more available through the lye process, which they called hominy.

In the southern United States, grits (terrestrial) are enjoyed as savory or sweet. But one of my favorite ways to eat comfort food grits is to pair them with Cajun shrimp for dinner.

But before you head out to the store to buy a bag, make sure you know what type of grits your recipe calls for. For this recipe, I used quick grits for ease of cooking and finer texture, but you can also use stone-ground grits for less processing. You might also like my recipe for just plain grits.

What you need for Cajun Shrimp and Grits

1. bacon – Need an explanation about this delicious ingredient? This person’s chocolate cake is also delicious.
2. seasoning – Garlic, onion, cajun seasoning This shrimp and grits recipe is worth its weight in gold. Please adjust the amount according to your preference 😉
3. shrimp – These are some of my favorite seafoods because they are more affordable than lobster. Sweet, juicy, and delicious on top of silky grits. You can also make delicious arrangements using crawfish or crab.
4. milk It will be creamier, but you can also replace it with water or broth. If you want a dairy-free version without sacrificing milk, neutral flavored nut milks are a good choice.
5. grits – The star athlete of this recipe is very filling and nutritious. Sometimes I use quick grits or instant grits to save time, but in a pinch, coarsely ground polenta also works.
6. cheese – The umami that is unique to dairy products is amazing. Smoked cheddar cheese is best, but you can leave it out if you prefer.

How to make Cajun Spice Shrimp & Grits

• sauté the bacon – Heat a large skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon until brown and crispy (3 to 5 minutes). Remove bacon from skillet and transfer to a plate. Some bacon drippings will remain in the pan (about 3 tablespoons). (Photos 1-2)
• sautéed shrimp – Add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to a frying pan and add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Next, season with Cajun salt and sauté the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes. Let’s set it aside. (Photo 3)
• seasoning – Add the garlic, paprika, bell pepper, parsley, and green onions to the pot. Add about 1/4 cup more broth. Please adjust according to your preference. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes. (Photo 4)
• cook shrimp – If desired, add shrimp at the very end and add lemon juice to taste. Add the crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper. Remove mix from heat and serve over grits.
• heat the liquid – First, add water, milk, bay leaf and salt to a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil. (Photo 5)
• add grits – gradually Whisk grits until whole added to pot. Keep stirring with a whisk to avoid lumps. You may need to remove the pan from the heat while removing any lumps.
• boil – Reduce heat and simmer grits, covered, stirring frequently, until water is fully absorbed and grits have thickened (about 15 minutes). Then remove the grits from the heat. Add butter and cheese. (Photos 6-8)
• serve – Stir with a whisk until the cheese is melted. Assemble the dish by placing the grits in the bottom of a shallow bowl and top with the Cajun shrimp and sauce. Enjoy it hot!

Note: For extra creaminess, add about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.

delicious twist

1. cheese swap – Smoked Gouda makes this classic cheese grits recipe even more comforting.
2. sausage or ham – Bacon makes everything taste better, but so do sausages and ham. My favorite is andouille sausage. Add some to your meat lover’s feast
3. More toppings – You can also topping your cheese grits with other proteins instead of shrimp. grilled chicken or salmon. Hmm!
4. I love the rustic feel stone ground sandand they are good for you too. They take a little longer to cook and can be difficult to obtain. Your best bet would be a health food store or Amazon.

recipe notes

1. For even more flavor, replace the water with chicken or vegetable stock.
2. Please note that this recipe is best cooked low and slow. You don’t want to burn the pan before the grits are cooked.
3. If you want extra creamy grits, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream when adding the cheese.

Preparation and storage

This Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe can be made ahead of time for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Cook the shrimp according to instructions, let cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Do the same with your grits. Leftovers are similarly best kept separately and used within a few days.

Simply add milk or stock as you reheat the grits over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Melt more cheese if desired. While the grits are warming, reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

How to enjoy Cajun shrimp and grits

Cajun shrimp and grits are already a great meal combination. However, if you want to add more, that’s totally fine. something light like this dinner roll It’s amazing, it absorbs all the goodness.

Also, fried okra and remoulade sauce on the side or Dressed salad Serve with lemon vinaigrette. these collard greens and vinegar coleslaw Fits the bill.

More comfort food recipes to try

1. jambalaya
2. southern fried chicken
3. baked mac & cheese
4. easy coleslaw

by Imma

See how to make

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This post was first published in December 2016 and has been updated with additional tips, gorgeous photos, and videos.