Cajun Shrimp Cheddar Grits (Printable)

Tender shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices served over creamy cheddar cheese grits for a flavorful meal.

# What You Need:

→ Cajun Shrimp

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

→ Cheddar Grits

08 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
09 - 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1/2 cup whole milk
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Garnish

15 - Sliced green onions
16 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese

# Steps:

01 - Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
02 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in butter, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Cover to maintain warmth while preparing shrimp.
03 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl and toss with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with spices.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in butter and fresh lemon juice, allowing butter to melt and create a light sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
06 - Spoon a generous portion of cheddar grits into each serving bowl. Arrange Cajun shrimp on top and drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spicy Cajun shrimp against creamy cheddar grits is the kind of flavor combination that makes you close your eyes and just enjoy every bite
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like something that simmered all day long
  • Stone-ground grits make all the difference here, giving you that texture that's creamy but still has something to bite into
02 -
  • Stone-ground grits need longer to cook than the package says sometimes, so taste them and keep going until they're tender
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp or they'll steam instead of getting that beautiful sear
  • Have everything ready before you start cooking the shrimp because they cook fast and there's no time for prep once the heat is on
03 -
  • Buy shrimp that's already deveined if you want to save prep time, just give them a quick rinse and pat dry
  • A cast iron skillet gives the shrimp the best sear, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work

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