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To make Cajun shrimp and grits, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup stone-ground grits - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. Stone-ground grits offer a rich texture. Chicken broth gives it a savory base. The butter and cheese add creaminess, making the grits irresistible. Shrimp brings flavor and protein, while Cajun seasoning gives that classic kick. Diced bell pepper and onion add sweetness and crunch. Garlic enhances the taste with its bold aroma. Heavy cream makes the sauce lush and smooth. Finally, salt and pepper round out the flavors. Don’t forget the green onions! They add a fresh touch at the end. This dish uses everyday items, making it easy to cook at home. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a warm, comforting meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling four cups of chicken broth in a medium pot. This broth adds great flavor. 2. Slowly whisk in one cup of stone-ground grits. This helps prevent lumps. 3. Reduce the heat to low. Cook the grits for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them thick and creamy. 1. In a large skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This oil helps cook the shrimp well. 2. Toss in one diced onion and one diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about five minutes until they soften. 3. Next, add two minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until fragrant. 4. Season one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the shrimp to the skillet. 5. Cook the shrimp for 3-5 minutes. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. 1. Pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix well with the shrimp and veggies. 2. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it to your liking. Now, you’re ready to serve! Spoon the cheesy grits onto a plate. Top with the Cajun shrimp mixture. Enjoy your flavorful Southern comfort meal! Using stone-ground grits makes a big difference. They have a lot more flavor. Instant grits may seem easy, but they lack that rich taste. Stone-ground grits give you a creamy texture and that classic Southern feel. To make your grits extra creamy, add butter and cheese. Stir them in once the grits are cooked. Heavy cream also helps create a smooth finish. Remember to season with salt and pepper to your liking. This will make your grits shine. Adjusting Cajun seasoning is key to getting the right heat. Start with a tablespoon and add more if you like it spicy. You can always add more, but you can't take it out. Garnish your dish with fresh herbs for color and flavor. Green onions add a nice crunch and brightness. You could also use parsley or thyme. These small touches make a big impact on taste. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They cook quickly, just 3 to 5 minutes. If you cook them too long, they become rubbery. Keep an eye on them to get that perfect texture. Watch your cooking temperatures. Too high, and your shrimp may burn. Too low, and they won't cook right. Aim for medium heat to get the best results. This balance keeps everything tender and tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp rather than frozen. Fresh shrimp will have a better texture and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can always serve additional seasoning on the side for guests to customize their dish. Perfect Grit Consistency: For the creamiest grits, make sure to continuously stir as they cook. This helps prevent clumping and ensures they are smooth and luxurious. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro along with green onions for an added layer of flavor and color to your dish. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this dish for a new taste. Try gouda for a smoky flavor. Monterey Jack gives a creamy texture. Both will mix well with grits. If you want a twist, swap shrimp for chicken or sausage. Chicken gives a lighter touch, while sausage adds a rich, spicy kick. If you're looking to cut fat, use low-fat cream and cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without the extra calories. You can also switch chicken broth for vegetable broth. This change adds more veggies to your meal. It also gives a different, lighter flavor. Want more heat? Add diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce. This gives a fresh taste and extra spice. You can also toss in other veggies like zucchini or corn. They add color and nutrition to your plate. To store Cajun Shrimp & Grits, let it cool first. Place the dish in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, use glass or plastic containers that seal well. For reheating grits, use a pot on low heat. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps keep the grits creamy. Heat them slowly to avoid burning. For shrimp, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a bit of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat until warm, about 3 minutes. This prevents overcooking the shrimp. Yes, you can freeze Cajun Shrimp & Grits. However, the texture may change. To freeze, place portions in airtight containers. Label them with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove. This keeps the flavors and texture as good as new. The best grits for Cajun Shrimp & Grits are stone-ground grits. They have a rich flavor and a nice texture. Instant grits do not give the same taste or creaminess. Stone-ground grits take longer to cook but are worth the time. They create a hearty base for the shrimp and sauce. To spice up Cajun Shrimp & Grits, you can add more Cajun seasoning. Use extra or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also mix in hot sauce for more heat. Fresh jalapeños or diced chili peppers work well too. Adjust the spice to suit your taste. Yes, you can prepare parts of Cajun Shrimp & Grits in advance. You can cook the grits and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge and reheat before serving. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating. The dish tastes great fresh but can hold well for a day. Cajun Shrimp & Grits comes from southern Louisiana. This dish reflects the blend of cultures in the region. It combines French, African, and Native American flavors. Grits were a staple food for many and shrimp became popular with local cooks. Over time, this dish became a beloved comfort meal. Yes, Cajun Shrimp & Grits can easily be gluten-free. The main ingredients, grits and shrimp, are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any seasoning blends or sauces you use are gluten-free as well. Always check labels to be safe. Enjoy this dish without worry! Cajun Shrimp & Grits is a delicious and hearty dish. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. Learning to perfect your grits and enhance flavors can change this meal. Remember to store leftovers properly and explore variations for different tastes. This dish has many ways to twist it, so don't hold back. Try new spices and proteins to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun sharing this comfort food with friends and family.

Cajun Shrimp & Grits

A delicious Southern dish featuring creamy grits topped with spicy Cajun shrimp.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes, until thickened.
  • Stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese into the grits, mixing until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add them to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  • To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits onto a plate and top with the Cajun shrimp mixture.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
Keyword Cajun, grits, shrimp, Southern cuisine