Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe
User Reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
670 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Cajun
Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe
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Just like they make them in The Big Easy, these New Orleans Shrimp and Grits are ultra creamy, loaded with cheese, and then topped with spicy seared shrimp and crispy bacon bits. Ready in under 45 minutes, this classic Louisiana dish is perfect for your Mardi Gras gathering, or on any night of the week when you're craving a Cajun kick!
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Ingredients
- 3 1⁄3 cups chicken broth divided
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grits stone ground white
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 strips thick-cut bacon finely chopped
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined
- 2 ½ teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- ½ medium sweet onion finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper seeded and finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
For Serving
- ¼ cup chopped green onions green parts only
- ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- fresh lemon juice optional
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Instructions
- For the Grits: Add 3 cups of the broth and 1 cup milk to a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the grits and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the grits are soft and tender, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent clumping. Remove the pot from the stove and stir in the butter, cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- For the Shrimp: Add the chopped bacon to a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy. Line a plate with a paper towel. Transfer the bacon to the prepared plate. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan and discard the rest.
- Return the skillet, with the bacon drippings, to medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender, stirring often. Mix in the garlic and ¼ teaspoon salt. Continue cooking for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Pat shrimp dry and sprinkle all over with the Cajun seasoning. Use your fingers to press the seasoning into the shrimp so that it adheres.
- Push vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes more, or until the shrimp turn opaque and their tails begin to curl.
- Pour in the remaining 1⁄3 cup broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the bacon back into the skillet and cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until heated through.
- Divide the shrimp and grits evenly between 4 bowls. Top each with 1 tablespoon of green onions, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.
Notes
- Remember to stir: The grits will clump, so make sure to mix them as they cook.
- Cajun Seasoning: The spice level can vary depending on your blend, but a homemade blackened Cajun seasoning gives you the most control. If you’re grabbing from the store, Slap Ya’ Mama or Emeril’s Blackened Seasoning are solid choices. (You may have to adjust the spice level and salt slightly, though.)
- Storage: Place the grits and shrimp mixture in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can also seal in individual freezer-safe airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
670kcal
(34%)
Carbohydrates
47g
(16%)
Protein
37g
(74%)
Fat
37g
(57%)
Saturated Fat
16g
(80%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
12g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
235mg
(78%)
Sodium
5346mg
(223%)
Potassium
734mg
(21%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
11g
(22%)
Vitamin A
2752IU
(55%)
Vitamin C
47mg
(52%)
Calcium
307mg
(31%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 670 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 670kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 235mg | 78% |
| Sodium | 5346mg | 223% |
| Potassium | 734mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 2752IU | 55% |
| Vitamin C | 47mg | 52% |
| Calcium | 307mg | 31% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
12 reviews
Excellent
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