Cajun Shrimp Cheddar Grits (Printable)
Succulent Cajun-spiced shrimp paired with creamy sharp cheddar grits for a flavorful Southern dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
07 - 2 tbsp 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 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 1/2 cup whole milk
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Garnish
15 - Sliced green onions
16 - Extra cheddar cheese
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture achieves a thick and creamy consistency.
02 - Stir in the butter, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the grits become smooth. Cover to maintain warmth.
03 - While the grits cook, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated on all sides.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout.
05 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the butter and fresh lemon juice, allowing the butter to melt. Remove from heat immediately and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
06 - Spoon the prepared cheddar grits into serving bowls. Arrange the Cajun shrimp on top of the grits and drizzle with the remaining pan juices from the skillet. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spicy shrimp against creamy cheddar grits creates this incredible contrast that keeps every bite interesting
- It comes together in about 40 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and sad so watch them closely and pull them from heat as soon as they turn pink
- Stone ground grits need that low and slow cooking time to become tender do not rush this step
03 -
- Chicken broth instead of water transforms the grits into something extraordinary
- A splash of heavy cream at the end makes the grits even more luxurious