Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

πŸ•’ Prep: 10 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're craving a taste of the South with a bit of a kick, Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Cheesy Grits is your answer. This dish combines the comforting creaminess of cheesy grits with the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun-seasoned shrimp. It's a delightful way to spice up your dinner routine.

Ingredients for Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

Shrimp: These little guys are the star of the show, offering a sweet and slightly briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy Cajun seasoning.

Grits: Stone-ground grits provide a hearty, creamy base to soak up all the savory shrimp juices.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor and creamy texture to the grits, making them irresistibly creamy.

Butter: A bit of butter adds richness and helps the cheese melt smoothly into the grits.

Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil is perfect for sautΓ©ing the garlic and shrimp, adding a subtle fruity note.

Cajun Seasoning: This is where the magic happens, infusing the shrimp with a spicy, smoky flavor.

Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic, savory punch.

Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese and butter.

Parsley and Green Onions: Fresh herbs and onions add a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible; it makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
  • For even richer grits, substitute some of the milk with cream.
  • Keep an eye on the grits while cooking; they tend to stick if not stirred frequently.
  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference β€” start with less and add more if you're unsure.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad β€” think arugula with a light vinaigrette. A side of sautΓ©ed greens, like collard greens or spinach, complements the richness of the dish beautifully. For a true Southern experience, serve with cornbread on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Start with half the amount of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. You can also omit the garlic if desired.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken or sausage works well with the Cajun flavors. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Cheesy Grits Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep the heat low and stir frequently for about 25 minutes until the grits thicken up nicely.

Once your grits are creamy and thick, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep the grits warm while you prepare the shrimp.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir them around for about 30 seconds until they're fragrant and your kitchen smells amazing.

Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're pink and opaque. Just before taking them off the heat, drizzle the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.

To serve, spoon the cheesy grits onto a plate and pile the Cajun shrimp on top. Garnish with extra parsley if you're feeling fancy. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, spicy flavors that pack a punch without overwhelming your taste buds.
  • The creamy, cheesy grits are the perfect contrast to the zesty shrimp.
  • Quick and easy preparation β€” perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a main course or a hearty appetizer.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups water
2 cups milk
1 cup stone-ground grits
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water and milk to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the grits. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 25 minutes.
2. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and butter into the grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring for about 30 seconds.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley and green onions.
6. Serve the shrimp over the cheesy grits and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

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