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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe Easy 5-Step Homemade Comfort Meal

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits - featured image

A rich and comforting dish featuring smoky Cajun-seasoned shrimp served over creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits (Bob’s Red Mill recommended)
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Once the grits are tender, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 2 ounces cream cheese, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, sautΓ© for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Stir in chopped green onions and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
  5. Spoon the creamy grits into bowls, then pile on the Cajun shrimp and veggies. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If grits get too thick while resting, stir in a splash of warm water or broth to loosen. Let shrimp rest off heat for a minute to lock in juiciness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper searing. Use stone-ground grits for best texture. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, grits, creamy grits, shrimp and grits, comfort food, Southern recipe, easy dinner, quick meal, seafood