Cajun Shrimp and Grits
You can whip up this Cajun shrimp and grits quickly with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether a family dinner or a weekend gathering. This recipe brings a taste of Louisiana right at your table.
There’s something truly special about a plate of Cajun shrimp and grits. For me, it’s a cozy yet vibrant dish that creates a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s one of those dishes I love making when I want a hearty dinner with a little kick without requiring much effort.
I keep coming back to this dish because it’s perfect for those busy nights when I need something that cooks quickly but still tastes amazing. The shrimp cooks in minutes, and the grits can be made as creamy or cheesy as you like. I’ve also found that adding a little extra seasoning to the shrimp deepens the flavor, giving each bite that punch of spice that defines classic Cajun cooking.
You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make this classic Southern dish feel special, but it looks impressive when served up. It brings a touch of Cajun flavor and comfort to the table any night of the week.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make Cajun shrimp and grits:
- Milk adds creaminess to the grits, helping them achieve a rich, smooth texture and balancing the spiciness of the Cajun flavors.
- Cornmeal is the base for grits. It gives this dish its signature Southern comfort food feel and creates a hearty base that pairs well with the seasoned shrimp.
- Red Bell Pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a mild crunch, balancing the spiciness of Cajun seasoning. It also introduces bright color and freshness.
- Onion provides a savory base flavor and depth to the dish, enhancing the flavors of both the shrimp and the grits.
- Cooked bacon adds smokiness, saltiness, and an extra layer of richness, giving the dish a comforting, hearty feel.
- Garlic brings warmth and depth to the Cajun flavors, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Cajun Seasoning is key to the dish’s flavo. It brings in the spicy, smoky, and herbal flavors that give the shrimp its bold taste.
- Smoked Paprika provides a deeper smoky flavor and intensifies the color of the shrimp, complementing the Cajun seasoning.
- Shrimp is the main protein. It provides a tender, slightly sweet contrast to the spicy flavors, perfectly pairing with the creamy grits.
- Parsley is an optional garnish that adds a fresh pop of green when serving the dish, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Customizing a Cajun shrimp and grits recipe is easy and fun, especially with some flavorful ingredient swaps or add-ins. Here are a few ideas to make the dish your own:
- Add Extra Vegetables: Sautéed greens like spinach or collard greens add a tender, earthy flavor, while chopped tomatoes provide freshness and acidity. You could also try adding celery or okra for more traditional Creole flavors.
- Cheesy Grits: Stir in sharp cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan cheese into the grits for an even creamier, richer texture and a boost of flavor.
- Play with Proteins: Try using sausage, like Andouille, for extra smoky flavor, or mix in crawfish with the shrimp for a more seafood-forward dish. You could even substitute chicken if you prefer a different protein altogether.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by experimenting with additional spices, such as cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce, or keep it mild by using a light Cajun seasoning. Smoked chipotle powder can add both heat and smokiness.
- Different Grits Textures: Try stone-ground grits for a heartier texture, or use instant grits if you’re short on time. You could even swap out cornmeal grits for polenta for a unique twist.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Start the recipe by boiling about three cups of salted water in a large saucepan. Then, follow the simple instructions below.
Stir in yellow cornmeal to the boiling water.
Add cup of milk and stir. Turn heat to low and cover for 15-20 minutes until the grits have thickened.
Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Add red bell pepper and onion. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent.
Add in the cooked bacon (if using) and garlic, allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in bacon and garlic. Allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
In a medium-sized bowl, add shrimp, olive oil, cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine
Add shrimp mixture to the skillet.
Cook until pink and cooked through.
Scoop cooked grits into each serving bowl
Top each serving with Cajun shrimp mixture.
Note
Cooking the grits low and slow with plenty of liquid helps them turn out creamy and smooth. This will make them perfect for soaking up all the Cajun spices in the shrimp mixture!
Storage
To store leftover Cajun shrimp and grits, it’s best to keep the shrimp and grits in separate containers. This helps maintain the texture of each component, preventing the shrimp from becoming mushy and the grits from absorbing too much moisture. Use airtight containers to store both items to lock in freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from the fridge.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the grits on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to bring back their creamy consistency. The shrimp can be quickly reheated in a skillet for about a minute or two, which keeps them tender. If necessary, you can also use the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as shrimp can become rubbery when microwaved for too long.
If you’d like to store the grits for a longer period, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month. However, try to avoid freezing the shrimp if possible, as freezing can alter their texture. This way, you can enjoy your Cajun shrimp and grits with the same rich flavors and textures as when first cooked.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Cook shrimp last!
Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually in just a few minutes, so it’s best to add them to the pan only after everything else is nearly done. This helps keep them tender and prevents them from turning rubbery. Timing your grits and shrimp to finish at the same time ensures a warm and delicious final dish.
Here are some tips to help make your Cajun shrimp and grits even more flavorful:
- Serve immediately: Cajun shrimp and grits taste best right away, while the shrimp are juicy and tender, and the grits are creamy.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet: Cast iron helps retain heat and creates a nice sear on the shrimp, bringing out that delicious Cajun flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat, so taste and adjust as you go. If you want more spice, add cayenne pepper; for milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning a bit.
- Gradually whisk the cornmeal into the liquid: When making grits, add cornmeal slowly and whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Let the grits rest: After cooking, cover the grits and let them sit for a few minutes to thicken and fully absorb the liquid, giving them a perfect consistency for serving.
- Add cheese for extra creaminess: Sharp cheddar or smoked gouda cheese can be stirred into the grits for a richer flavor that complements the Cajun shrimp.
- Garnish thoughtfully: Fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions brighten the dish visually and add a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness of the grits and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Cajun shrimp and grits can be enjoyed in many ways. This dish works well for dinner or even as a hearty breakfast. Pair it with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad. Both options add color and nutrients to your meal.
Adding toppings can enhance the flavor. Consider using crispy bacon bits for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle chopped green onions for freshness. A dash of hot sauce can give it a spicy kick. These simple additions make the dish even more delicious.
Presentation matters, too. Serve the dish in a shallow bowl to show off the vibrant colors. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A slice of lemon on the side adds brightness to the plate.
Questions Often Asked
FAQs about cheesecloth
Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
For the Shrimp:
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ½ red onion diced
- 4 strips smoked bacon chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp peeled and deveined with tail off
- Fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
For the grits:
- In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Be sure to add in 2-3 tbsp of salt to the water.
- Stir in 1 cup of yellow cornmeal to the boiling water.
- Add cup of milk and stir. Turn heat to low and cover for 15-20 minutes until the grits have thickened.
For the shrimp:
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Add red bell pepper and onion. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add in the cooked bacon (if using) and garlic, allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add shrimp, olive oil, cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine
- Add shrimp mixture to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through.
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large saucepan
- Large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
