Best 5 Cajun Peppered Shrimp Grits Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the American South with our Cajun Peppered Shrimp and Grits recipe. This classic dish combines the bold spices of Cajun cuisine with the creamy comfort of grits, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Savor the plump and succulent shrimp, expertly seasoned with a medley of Cajun spices that deliver a delightful kick. The creamy grits provide a smooth and velvety foundation, perfectly complementing the spicy shrimp. As you indulge in each bite, the harmonious blend of flavors will transport you to the heart of Louisiana, where bold tastes reign supreme.

This recipe also offers variations to cater to different preferences. For a touch of smokiness, add diced andouille sausage to the shrimp mixture. If you prefer a milder heat level, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. For a vegetarian option, substitute the shrimp with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this Cajun Peppered Shrimp and Grits recipe is sure to impress. Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. So gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the rich flavors of the American South.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRISPY CAJUN SHRIMP AND CHEESY GRITS



Crispy Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Grits image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

4 tablespoons butter
1 cup creamed corn
4 scallions, whites sliced, greens reserved
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup milk
1 cup old-fashioned yellow grits
2 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
2 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 quart neutral oil, for deep-frying
One 18-ounce package frozen popcorn shrimp
Cajun Butter, recipe follows
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add the corn and scallion whites and saute for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup water. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Add the stock and milk and bring to a simmer.
  • Slowly rain in the grits while whisking vigorously. Bring to a simmer and keep at a light simmer while stirring constantly, about 15 minutes. Add the cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter and whisk until smooth. If the grits are too tight, add a bit more water to loosen them up. Season to taste.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-frying thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Fry the shrimp until crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Toss the hot crispy shrimp with the warm Cajun Butter. Spoon the shrimp over bowls of grits with some of the butter. Slice the reserved scallion greens very thinly on the bias and sprinkle on top.
  • Mix the paprika, sugar, cayenne, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Put the spice mixture in the skillet and toast to waken up the flavors, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and melt until foamy.

CHEESY CAJUN SHRIMP AND GRITS



Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits image

I was born and raised in the South. A few years ago I moved to Pennsylvania, where good Southern comfort food was hard to find. So I created these creamy, smoky Cajun shrimp and grits to remind me of home. -Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking grits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, cubed
8 bacon strips, chopped
2 pounds uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and butter until melted; keep warm., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir shrimp in bacon drippings until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and parsley., Divide grits among 8 serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture and the bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560 calories, Fat 34g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 215mg cholesterol, Sodium 968mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

CAJUN GRILLED SHRIMP AND GRITS



Cajun Grilled Shrimp and Grits image

Provided by Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup old-fashioned grits
2 cups boiling water
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 stick butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic granules or freshly minced
2 ounces chili powder
Pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
2 ounces seafood seasoning (recommended: OldBay)
1-ounce freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces garlic powder
2 ounces onion powder
1-ounce ginger
1-ounce butter or olive oil
2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Steps:

  • Grits: Boil 2 cups of water in medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining ingredients in consecutive order while stirring slowly. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Slowly stir in the grits. Allow to simmer, stirring every 5 minutes until reaching the desired consistency, about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the grits to a serving bowl and keep warm.
  • Shrimp: Mix all of the dry ingredients thoroughly in bowl until well blended. Melt the butter or olive oil in a large grill pan over high heat. Generously coat the shrimp in the seasoning mixture. Add them to the grill pan and cook until caramelized on both sides. Remove them from the pan to a serving bowl and serve with the grits.
  • Suggestion: Adding cheese and/or gravy with fried onions, to taste, will elevate the dish considerably.

CAJUN PEPPERED SHRIMP AND GRITS



Cajun Peppered Shrimp and Grits image

Make and share this Cajun Peppered Shrimp and Grits recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Recipe Junkie

Categories     Cajun

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

6 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking grits
2 tablespoons butter
1 (6 ounce) package processed cheese with garlic
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup olive oil
3 lbs medium shrimp, peeled
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup chopped green onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
basil
thyme
oregano
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Grits:.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Grease a large saucepan with cooking spray.
  • Add water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Stir in salt and grits.
  • Lower heat and cook, stirring occasionally until water is absorbed and grits thicken.
  • Add butter, cheeses and Worcestershire.
  • Cook until cheese melts.
  • Pour into greased casserole dish and bake for about 20 minutes to set.
  • Shrimp:.
  • In large saucepan, melt butter and oil over medium heat.
  • Add shrimp and sauté just until pink.
  • Stir in all ingredients and seasonings.
  • Simmer about 10 minutes.
  • Mixture will be very saucy.
  • Serve a scoop of grits surrounded with shrimp and sauce.
  • Serve with hot French bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 543.1, Fat 29.2, SaturatedFat 13.7, Cholesterol 312.2, Sodium 1184.7, Carbohydrate 27.2, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.9, Protein 41.6

SOUTHERN SHRIMP AND GRITS



Southern Shrimp and Grits image

A southern specialty, sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this dish tastes great for brunch or dinner, and anytime company's coming. It's down-home comfort food at its finest. -Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups 2% milk
1/3 cup butter, cubed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
SHRIMP:
8 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun or blackened seasoning
4 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring the broth, milk, butter, salt and pepper to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheese until melted. Set aside and keep warm., In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 4 teaspoons drippings. Saute the shrimp, garlic and seasoning in drippings until shrimp turn pink. Serve with grits and sprinkle with onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 674 calories, Fat 42g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 241mg cholesterol, Sodium 1845mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 41g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than frozen shrimp. If you must use frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
  • Season the shrimp well. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can adjust the amount of each spice to your liking.
  • Cook the shrimp until they are just opaque. Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them for just a few minutes, or until they are pink and opaque throughout.
  • Use good-quality grits. Stone-ground grits have a more complex flavor and texture than instant grits. If you can, find stone-ground grits that are made from organic corn.
  • Cook the grits according to the package directions. Be sure to stir the grits frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Add the shrimp and vegetables to the grits. Once the grits are cooked, stir in the shrimp, vegetables, and cheese. Cook until the shrimp is heated through and the vegetables are tender.
  • Serve the shrimp and grits immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions and hot sauce, if desired.

Conclusion:

Cajun peppered shrimp and grits is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of shrimp, grits, and vegetables is hearty and satisfying, and the Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick of flavor. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Related Topics