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To make Cajun shrimp and grits, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup grits (coarse ground) - 4 cups water or chicken broth - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role. The grits create a creamy base. The shrimp adds protein and flavor. Cajun seasoning brings heat and spice, making it exciting. The onions, garlic, and peppers add depth and sweetness. Finally, the cheddar cheese adds richness to the dish. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh shrimp gives you a better taste and texture. Fresh veggies add crunch and color. I always recommend using high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor. It enhances the grits and makes them more savory. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you want more heat, add a bit more Cajun seasoning. This dish is all about balancing flavors. Enjoy the process, and have fun experimenting with these ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. - Gradually whisk in 1 cup of coarse grits. Stir to avoid lumps. - Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. - Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet. - Sauté 1 small onion, finely chopped, for 2-3 minutes until soft. - Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced green bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes. - Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve the creamy grits onto plates, creating a nice base. - Top each plate with the Cajun shrimp mixture. - Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful touch. - Use chicken broth for added flavor. - Stir grits regularly to avoid lumps. To make your grits shine, chicken broth is key. It adds depth and richness that plain water just can’t match. I love to whisk in the grits slowly. This helps prevent lumps and gives you a smooth texture. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. Stirring often makes a big difference. - Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. - Finally, don’t overcook shrimp to retain tenderness. When it comes to the shrimp, feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning. Everyone has a unique taste, so make it your own! The key is to cook the shrimp just right. Overcooking makes them tough. They should be opaque and tender. - Use fresh herbs for garnish. - Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish. For a beautiful finish, fresh herbs are your best friend. They add color and freshness to the plate. I like to serve my dish with lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors and adds a nice zing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. If possible, opt for shrimp that has been recently caught for the best taste. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild variant. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to balance the heat. Make Creamier Grits: For extra creamy grits, substitute part of the water or broth with milk or cream. This will enhance the richness of the dish. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: In addition to green onions, try garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and a pop of color. {{image_2}} You can make a vegan version of Cajun shrimp and grits. To do this, simply swap shrimp for plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. These options soak up the Cajun spices well. Instead of cheese, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you keep the dish rich and tasty while making it vegan-friendly. The type of cheese you use can change the dish's flavor. Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a fun twist. Gouda adds a smoky taste, while pepper jack gives a spicy kick. You can also adjust the amount of cheese to change how creamy the grits are. More cheese makes it richer and smoother, while less creates a lighter texture. Want more heat? You can easily adjust the spice level. Add more chili powder if you like it hot. You can also drizzle in some hot sauce for a spicy boost. Just remember to taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect level of heat that suits you best. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality. After that, the flavors start to fade. Freeze grits and shrimp separately. This keeps their textures intact. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat properly before serving to enjoy the full taste. Use the stovetop or microwave for reheating. If the grits become too thick, add a splash of liquid. This helps regain their creamy texture. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! You can serve Cajun Shrimp and Grits with several tasty sides. Consider these options: - Collard greens for a classic Southern touch. - A fresh garden salad for crunch. - Cornbread for a sweet, soft bite. - Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast. These sides enhance the meal and balance the dish's rich flavors. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Here’s how: - Thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. - Remove any excess water before cooking. - Adjust cooking time; frozen shrimp may need a bit longer. Using frozen shrimp keeps the dish easy and quick, while still tasting great. To make creamy grits, follow these tips: - Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor. - Stir grits often while cooking to prevent lumps. - Add cheese towards the end for a rich texture. These steps ensure your grits are smooth and delicious, perfect for pairing with shrimp. Cajun shrimp and grits is a delicious dish made with simple ingredients. We discussed cooking grits and preparing tender shrimp with bold spices. Don't forget the important tips for flavor and presentation. You can also explore variations to suit your taste. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy this meal multiple times. Dive into this dish, share it with friends, and savor every bite. Cooking is not just about food; it's about bringing joy to your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

A delicious Southern dish featuring creamy grits topped with spicy Cajun shrimp.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup grits (coarse ground)
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 each red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 each green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and add a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened (about 15-20 minutes). Add the shredded cheddar cheese in the last few minutes, stirring until melted and creamy.
  • While the grits are cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften.
  • Add the diced red and green bell peppers and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the creamy grits onto plates, topped with the Cajun shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
Keyword Cajun, grits, shrimp, Southern cuisine