Cajun Shrimp Grits – A Southern Comfort Classic

Cajun Shrimp Grits is a Southern classic that brings together the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun-seasoned shrimp with rich, creamy grits. This dish is the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet flavors, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

With buttery grits infused with cheese and smoky, well-seasoned shrimp cooked to perfection, every bite is packed with richness, spice, and Southern charm. Whether you’re a fan of traditional shrimp and grits or looking for a spicy twist, this Cajun-style recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Grits

For the Creamy Grits:

• 1 cup Stone-Ground Grits (or Quick Grits for convenience)
• 4 cups Water or Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp Butter
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper

For the Cajun Shrimp:

• 1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Paprika
• ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Onion Powder
• ½ tsp Dried Thyme
• ½ tsp Dried Oregano
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• Juice of ½ Lemon

For the Cajun Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 tbsp Butter
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ cup Heavy Cream
• ¼ cup Chicken Broth
• ½ tsp Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tsp Hot Sauce (optional for extra heat)

Garnishes (Optional):

• Chopped Green Onions
• Fresh Parsley
• Crispy Bacon Bits

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cajun Shrimp Grits

Step 1: Cook the Grits

1. Boil Water/Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add Grits: Slowly stir in 1 cup of grits, reduce heat to low, and cook while stirring frequently.
3. Simmer: Allow the grits to cook for 20-25 minutes (or follow the package instructions for quick grits). Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
4. Add Cream, Butter & Cheese: Once the grits are thick and creamy, stir in heavy cream, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Keep warm.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Cajun Shrimp

1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet: Add butter and olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
4. Squeeze Lemon Juice: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and toss the shrimp. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
2. Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Add a bit of hot sauce for extra heat and simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Cajun Shrimp Grits Bowl

1. Spoon Grits into a Bowl: Start with a generous serving of creamy grits at the bottom.
2. Top with Cajun Shrimp: Arrange the cooked shrimp over the grits.
3. Drizzle Cajun Sauce: If using the optional sauce, pour it over the shrimp for extra flavor.
4. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and crispy bacon bits for added texture and taste.

Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Grits

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp have the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery—cook just until pink and opaque.
• Slow-Cook the Grits: For extra creamy grits, stir constantly and cook on low heat.
• Enhance the Flavor: Cooking grits in chicken broth instead of water adds more depth.
• Make it Spicier: Add extra cayenne, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Variations of Cajun Shrimp Grits

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Grits: Replace Cajun seasoning with garlic butter for a richer flavor.
• Blackened Shrimp Grits: Use blackening seasoning for a smoky, charred taste.
• Creamy Tomato Cajun Shrimp Grits: Add diced tomatoes and a splash of cream to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Bacon and Mushroom Shrimp Grits: Cook bacon and mushrooms with the shrimp for extra savory goodness.

What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Grits

Pair this dish with:

• Cornbread or Biscuits for a classic Southern touch
• Collard Greens or Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a balanced meal
• Sweet Tea or a Spicy Bloody Mary to complete the brunch experience

How to Store and Reheat Cajun Shrimp Grits

Refrigeration:

• Store shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Grits: Add a splash of milk or water and heat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
• Shrimp: Reheat in a skillet for 2 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Southern Comfort Dish

Cajun Shrimp Grits is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish will impress your taste buds and guests alike.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a true taste of Southern cuisine!

Cajun Shrimp Grits

Cajun shrimp served over creamy, buttery grits is a Southern classic that’s rich in flavor. The shrimp is seasoned with a perfect blend of Cajun spices, and the grits are made extra creamy for a comforting, indulgent dish.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Southern

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• For the Grits:
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional, for cheesy grits

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cook the Grits
• In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Slowly add the grits to the boiling broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the grits simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and tender.
• Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• If you’re making cheesy grits, stir in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
• Keep the grits warm while you cook the shrimp.
• Step 2: Cook the Cajun Shrimp
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
• Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
• Once the shrimp is cooked, squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice over them for a fresh, zesty finish.
• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: Assemble the Dish
• Spoon a generous serving of the creamy grits onto each plate.
• Arrange the Cajun shrimp on top of the grits.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Video

Notes

✔ For extra flavor, you can add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the shrimp for more heat.
✔ Make it richer: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or add extra butter for a richer taste.
✔ Perfect shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook very quickly and can become tough.
✔ Make ahead: You can prepare the grits ahead of time and reheat them with a bit of chicken broth or cream to bring them back to the right consistency.