Cajun Shrimp with Sharp Cheddar (Printable)
Succulent Cajun shrimp paired with rich sharp cheddar grits for a comforting Southern dish.
# What You Need:
→ For the Grits
01 - 4 cups water
02 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
03 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 cup whole milk
→ For the Cajun Shrimp
08 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
09 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 small bell pepper, diced
17 - 2 green onions, sliced
18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
→ For Garnish
19 - Fresh parsley, chopped
20 - Extra sliced green onions
# Steps:
01 - Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy.
02 - Stir in butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and incorporated. Cover and keep warm.
03 - Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
05 - Add garlic and diced bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
06 - Return shrimp to the skillet with lemon juice and half the green onions. Toss to combine and remove from heat.
07 - Spoon creamy grits into bowls. Top with Cajun shrimp and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional green onions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sharp cheddar cuts through the rich grits while the Cajun spices wake up your palate in the best way
- Everything comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- The contrast between creamy, spicy, and fresh elements makes every bite exciting
02 -
- Stone-ground grits need that full 20 to 25 minutes to cook—rushing them results in unpleasantly texture
- Dont overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp or theyll steam instead of getting that gorgeous crust
- The grits will thicken as they sit, so add a splash more milk or water when reheating
03 -
- Preheat your skillet for a full 2 minutes before adding oil and shrimp for the best sear
- Taste your grits before serving—stone-ground varieties vary in saltiness
- Have all your ingredients prepped before you start because everything happens fast