Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Spring fades, summer winds down, fall knocks down the front door, and soon enough, it’s the merry holiday season. It’s a fast-paced cycle with people spending their days and weeks shopping, cooking, cleaning, and partying. It really never ends, does it?

But for now, let’s slow down and take a deep breath. And let’s be grateful and make the most of whatever our life blesses us with by enjoying this ever comforting Shrimp and Grits recipe.

Contents… What You Need How to Make Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks FAQs Make-Ahead and Storage What to Serve More Comfort Food Recipes Watch How to Make It

Where Do Grits Come From?

Grits are ground white or yellow corn, and they are coarsely ground for a toothier texture. Hominy is a traditional corn product used in many cultures, and grits are usually ground hominy.

In the Southern part of the U.S., grits are a staple that can be served savory or sweet. But one of my favorite ways to have comfort food grits is to pair them with Cajun shrimp for dinner. 

But before you run off to the store to buy a bag, please check out the type of grits your recipe calls for. I used quick grits for ease of cooking and finer texture for this recipe, but you could use less processed stone-ground grits. And you may like my recipe for just plain grits.

What You Need for Cajun Shrimp and Grits

• Bacon – Do we need an explanation of this tasty ingredient? This guy is even good in a chocolate cake.
• Seasonings – Garlic, onions, and Cajun seasonings make this shrimp and grits recipe worth its weight in gold. Adjust amounts to your tastes.😉
• Shrimp – These guys are some of my favorite seafood because they’re more affordable than lobster. They are sweet, juicy, and fabuliciosly comforting on top of silky grits. You could use crawfish or crab for a delicious twist.
• Milk – The creaminess is enhanced with milk, but you could replace it with water or broth. If you want a dairy-free version without sacrificing milk, neutral-flavored nut milk will work just fine.
• Grits – The star player in this recipe is so filling and nourishing. But you could use coarsely ground polenta in a pinch.
• Cheese – The distinctive umami flavor of this dairy product is amazing. Smoked cheddar is the best, but you can omit this ingredient if you prefer.

How to Make Shrimp and Grits

1. Make the Bacon – In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté bacon until brown and crisp this may take about 3-5 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet and transfer to a plate. Some bacon drippings will be left in the pan (about 3 tablespoons). (Photos 1-2)
2. Saute the Shrimp – Add about a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan, followed by shrimp. Then season with Cajun salt, and sauté shrimp for about 3-4 minutes. Set aside. (Photo 3)
3. Add Seasonings – Then add garlic, paprika, bell pepper, parsley, and green onions to the pan. Add about ¼ cup of broth or more – adjust to preference. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes. (Photo 4)
4. Cook the Shrimp – Add shrimp towards the last minute with lemon juice if desired, and adjust to taste. Throw in the crisp bacon, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Remove the mix from the heat and serve over your grits.
5. Heat the Liquids for the Grits – Start by adding water, milk, bay leaf, and salt to a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil. (Photo 5)
6. Add the Grits – Gradually whisk in the grits until you have added the whole thing to the pot. Keep stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps. You may need to remove the saucepan from heat while getting rid of lumps.
7. Simmer Away – Reduce heat and cook grits at barely a simmer, covered, frequently stirring, until water is fully absorbed and grits thickened. This will take you about 15 minutes. Then remove grits from heat; add butter and cheese. (Photo 6-8)
8. Final Touches – Stir with a whisk until cheese melts. Assemble the dish by placing the grits at the bottom of a shallow bowl, then the Cajun shrimp and sauce on top. Enjoy piping hot!

Note: Add about two tablespoons of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Recipe Variations

Change up the Cheese – Adding smoked Gouda just makes it even more comforting and amps up this classic Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe

Other Pork – And what’s not to love about bacon? HELLO!!! Bacon makes everything better, but hey, so does sausage and ham if you want to throw some in.

Different Toppings – You could top your cheesy grits with other proteins instead of shrimp, like grilled chicken or salmon. Yum!

Tips and Tricks

• For more flavor, you may replace the water with a stock.
• Remember that this recipe is best cooked low and slow. You don’t want to scorch the pan before your grits are cooked through.
• For extra creamy grits, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the same time you add your cheese.

FAQs

Check out my Fish and Grits using stone-ground grits and this Cheese Grits.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can make this Cajun shrimp and grits recipe ahead for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Cook your shrimp according to the instruction, then let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Do the same with your grits. It’s best to keep them separate and use them within a couple of days—ditto on the leftovers.

To Reheat – Simply add milk or stock when reheating grits over low heat on the stovetop while stirring it from time to time. Melt in more cheese, if desired. While the grits are warming up, reheat the shrimp in a pan on low, occasionally stirring until heated through.

What to Serve with Shrimp and Grits

Cajun shrimp and grits already make a fantastic meal combination. But if you want to add more, that’s perfectly fine. Something on the lighter side like these dinner rolls to sop up all the goodness is outstanding. 

You can also have fried okra with remoulade sauce on the side or a tossed salad with some lemon vinaigrette. These collard greens and vinegar coleslaw fit the bill.

More Comfort Food Recipes

• Jambalaya
• Southern Fried Chicken
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Easy Coleslaw

When there’s just too much going on with your life, it’s time to whip up this Southern comfort Cajun Shrimp and Grits because there is NOTHING as comforting as this. Trust me! It will make your blues go away.

Enjoy!!

Watch How to Make It

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