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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Creamy Cheese Grits

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A quick and easy recipe combining spicy Cajun shrimp with creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits for a comforting Southern-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits (160g)
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (960ml)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (100g)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (60ml)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or green onions, extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water or chicken broth and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil.
  2. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to avoid lumps.
  3. Lower heat to a simmer, cover with lid slightly ajar, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until creamy but not gluey.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
  5. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until silky smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
  6. Pat shrimp dry and toss with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  10. Finish shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  11. Serve grits topped with Cajun shrimp and garnish with parsley or green onions and extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Cook grits low and slow to avoid clumping. Watch shrimp carefully to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture. If grits thicken too much after sitting, stir in warm water or milk to loosen. Adjust spice levels to taste. Use stone-ground grits for best texture. Dairy-free substitutions include coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, cheese grits, Southern cooking, quick dinner, creamy grits, spicy shrimp, easy recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-and-creamy-cheese-grits-easy-homemade-recipe/