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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Creamy Grits

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A quick and easy Southern comfort food recipe featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp served over rich, creamy stone-ground grits with sharp cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The grits should thicken and become tender but still have a bit of bite.
  2. Once the grits are creamy and cooked, stir in 1 cup of whole milk or half-and-half, 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. While grits cook, rinse and pat dry 1 pound of large shrimp. Toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight char. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear.
  6. Once cooked, squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to combine. Remove from heat.
  7. Spoon the creamy grits onto plates or shallow bowls, top generously with the spicy Cajun shrimp, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

If grits get too thick while resting, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen. Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for best flavor. Store shrimp and grits separately to avoid sogginess when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, creamy grits, Southern comfort food, shrimp and grits, easy dinner, spicy shrimp, stone-ground grits

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-and-creamy-grits-recipe-easy-homemade-southern-comfort-food/