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Flavorful Shrimp and Cheesy Grits with Cajun Butter

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A quick and easy Southern-inspired dish featuring creamy cheesy grits topped with spicy, buttery Cajun shrimp. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups (950ml) water (or substitute half with chicken broth)
  • 1 cup (120g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
  • 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (950ml) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup (170g) stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring frequently to prevent lumps, until thick and creamy, about 20 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp (28g) softened unsalted butter. Season with salt to taste. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and grits are creamy. Add a splash of water or milk if grits become too thick.
  3. While grits cook, melt 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning and ½ tsp smoked paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Add 1 lb (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat with Cajun butter sauce and cook 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice over shrimp and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Spoon cheesy grits into bowls and top with Cajun butter shrimp. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the dish.

Notes

Pat dry shrimp before cooking to ensure proper searing. Stir grits frequently on low heat to avoid lumps and scorching. Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level. If grits thicken after standing, stir in warm water or broth to loosen. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can mellow the heat if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, Cajun butter, cheesy grits, Southern recipe, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/flavorful-shrimp-and-cheesy-grits-with-cajun-butter-easy-recipe-for-the-best-southern-dinner/