Grilled Cajun Shrimp and Grits
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
4 to 6 servings
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Calories
694 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Grilled Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Description
Grilled Cajun Shrimp and Grits brings together shrimp coated in a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of Cajun spices including paprika and cayenne, which is then grilled for a slightly charred exterior and tender interior. The shrimp are grilled with their shells on and deveined, preserving moisture and flavor before peeling for serving.
The grits are prepared by slowly cooking stone-ground grits in salted boiling water until creamy and tender, then enriched with unsalted butter and sharp white cheddar cheese for a rich texture and a mild tang. The combination offers a smooth, cheesy base that complements the spicy shrimp.
A scallion butter infused with garlic, paprika, cayenne, and salt is melted and combined with sliced scallions, which can be drizzled over the cooked shrimp and grits to add a further layer of flavor. This dish suits a hearty lunch or dinner, bringing smoky heat and creamy cheese together.
For best results, follow the grits cooking time carefully to achieve the desired creaminess and adjust seasoning as needed. If stone-ground grits are unavailable, follow package instructions for a close substitute and similarly adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1-1/2 pounds Shrimp 16/20 count, raw, shells on
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme chopped fresh
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly-ground
For the Grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup grits stone ground
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, sharp, white
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt , plus additional to taste
For the Scallion Butter
- 6 tablespoons butter melted and kept warm, unsalted
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup scallions sliced
Instructions
Marinate and Grill the Shrimp
- Devein shrimp: Using a paring knife or a pair of kitchen shears, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp (the curved side), in the middle, from the tip to where the tails begin. Use the tip of your knife or shears to remove the dark vein. Leave shells on the shrimp.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate, refrigerated, 1 hour.
- Preheat grill over medium-high flame for about 15 minutes. Remove shrimp from marinade, shaking off excess, and thread onto skewers. Discard marinade. Oil grill grates and cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and shrimp are just transparent. Do not overcook.
- Peel shells from shrimp before serving.
Make the Grits
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil with a 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 40-50 minutes, until tender and creamy, whisking often. Add additional hot water to the pan if the grits start getting too thick before they're tender.*
- Stir in unsalted butter and cheddar until melted and creamy. Season to taste with salt.
Make the scallion butter and serve
- Stir together 6 tablespoons melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and sliced scallions.
- Ladle grits into serving bowls. Top each portion with shrimp and drizzle with the scallion butter. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If stone-ground grits are unavailable or instructions differ, use the brand's guidelines for preparing one cup of dry grits.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4to 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 694 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 694kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 52g | 80% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 234mg | 78% |
| Sodium | 1079mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 189mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2300IU | 46% |
| Vitamin C | 8.2mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 315mg | 32% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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