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- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese The main ingredients in your Cajun Shrimp Grits Bowl are simple yet key to its flavor. The shrimp brings a sweet and tender bite. Grits serve as a creamy base and soak up all the flavors. Cheddar cheese adds richness and a sharp taste that complements the dish well. - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil Seasonings bring the heat and flavor to this dish. Cajun seasoning blends spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic. Garlic, onion, and bell pepper add depth and sweetness. Butter and olive oil help cook the veggies and shrimp, creating a savory sauce. - Chopped green onions - Fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Garnishes make your bowl look and taste fresh. Green onions add a crisp bite, while parsley brightens the dish. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Together, these garnishes complete your Cajun Shrimp Grits Bowl, making it a feast for the eyes and palate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the grits, start by boiling 4 cups of water or chicken broth in a medium saucepan. This adds flavor. Once it boils, stir in 1 cup of grits and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook for about 20-25 minutes. Stir the grits occasionally. You want them thick and creamy when done. When the grits are creamy, mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the cheese melts and combines well. Set the grits aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender. Now, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an extra minute. This step makes the dish smell amazing. Then, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well to coat the vegetables. Now add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now it's time to put it all together. Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits into each bowl. Top it with the spicy Cajun shrimp mixture. For the final touch, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness to the dish. Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp Grits Bowl! To make great grits, you want a smooth and creamy texture. Start with stone-ground grits if you can find them. They give the best taste and texture. If you use instant grits, the flavor won’t be as rich. When cooking, bring your water or broth to a boil first. Stir in the grits and reduce heat to low. Keep stirring every few minutes. This helps prevent clumps. Cook until thick, about 20-25 minutes. When they are done, mix in the cheese and butter. This step makes them extra creamy. Cooking shrimp is easy, but timing is key. You want them pink and firm, not rubbery. When you add them to your skillet, watch closely. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. If you see them turning pink, they are done. For the veggies, start with the onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes before adding garlic. This way, the flavors blend well. Garlic only needs a minute, so add it last. To boost the flavor in your bowl, think about extra spices. A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne can add heat. If you like a little sweetness, try adding a touch of brown sugar. You can also switch up your cheese. While sharp cheddar is classic, other cheeses like pepper jack or cream cheese work well, too. Each cheese gives a different taste, so feel free to experiment! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking to avoid a rubbery texture. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend. You can always add more heat to taste at the end. Cheese Variations: Swap out the sharp cheddar for other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier kick or gouda for a smoky flavor that pairs well with the Cajun seasoning. Garnish for Freshness: Don't skip the green onions and parsley! They add a fresh pop of flavor and color that complements the richness of the grits and shrimp. {{image_2}} You can change up the seafood in this dish. Try scallops or crab instead of shrimp. Each option brings a new taste. You can also mix different seafood for a fun twist. When it comes to grits, consider using instant grits for a fast meal. They cook quickly, but stone-ground grits taste richer. Stone-ground grits have a coarser texture and more flavor. Choose what fits your time and taste best. For a gluten-free version, just check your grits. Most grits are gluten-free, but always read labels. You can also use gluten-free broth to keep it safe. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp. Use mushrooms or zucchini to add bulk and flavor. Season them well to make sure they shine in your bowl. Pair your Cajun shrimp grits bowl with a simple side salad. A light salad adds freshness to the meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra nutrients. For a creative bowl presentation, layer the grits and shrimp. Use a tall bowl to show off the layers. Garnish with green onions and parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish not only tasty but also beautiful. To keep your Cajun Shrimp Grits fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. You can freeze both the shrimp and the grits. First, let them cool completely. Then, pack them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until hot. For easy meals, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and store them in the fridge. Cook the grits and shrimp in batches. When ready to eat, just assemble your bowl with the grits and shrimp. This saves time on busy nights and keeps your meals fresh. You can serve Cajun Shrimp Grits with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Collard greens: This dish adds a nice, earthy flavor. - Cornbread: A sweet and crumbly bread pairs well with the spice. - Fried green tomatoes: Crunchy and tangy, they make a great side. - Simple salad: A fresh salad with light dressing adds balance. These sides enhance the flavors and make your meal more fun. Yes, you can make Cajun Shrimp Grits ahead. Here’s how to store and reheat them: - Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. - Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, reheat the grits on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth for creaminess. Cook the shrimp in a skillet until warm. This approach keeps the dish tasty and enjoyable later. Cajun seasoning blends bold and rich flavors. The typical ingredients include: - Paprika: Adds color and a mild kick. - Garlic powder: Provides a savory base. - Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor. - Black pepper: Gives a nice heat. - Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy touch. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. This seasoning makes any dish lively and full of flavor. Cajun shrimp and grits combine rich flavors and comforting textures. We explored key ingredients like shrimp, grits, and cheddar cheese, along with flavorful seasonings and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking this dish and offered essential tips for perfecting your grits and shrimp. You now have variations and storage info to make meal prep easier. With the right approach, you can create a delicious meal that pleases everyone. Enjoy making this dish and let your creativity shine!

Cajun Shrimp Grits Bowl

A delicious bowl of creamy grits topped with spicy Cajun shrimp.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred)
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Chopped green onions
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the grits and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, stir well, and cover. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are thick and creamy.
  • Once the grits are creamy, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well-combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • To assemble the bowls, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits into each bowl and top with the spicy Cajun shrimp mixture.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.

Notes

Use stone-ground grits for the best texture.
Keyword Cajun, comfort food, grits, shrimp