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To make Cajun shrimp and grits, you need the following: - 1 cup stone-ground grits - 4 cups water - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons butter - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup celery, diced - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup scallions, sliced (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste When choosing shrimp, look for the following: - Color: Fresh shrimp should have a nice, clear color. Avoid shrimp that look dull or discolored. - Smell: They should smell like the ocean, not like ammonia. A strong odor signals spoilage. - Texture: The shrimp should feel firm and springy. If they feel slimy, skip them. - Shell: If buying shell-on shrimp, check for a clean shell. Any black spots mean they are not fresh. For this dish, stone-ground grits are the best choice. They have a rich flavor and creamy texture. Look for these options: - White stone-ground grits: These offer a subtle taste that pairs well with shrimp. - Yellow stone-ground grits: They provide a slightly nuttier flavor and vibrant color. - Quick-cooking grits: If you’re short on time, these cook faster but may lack depth. Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Enjoy crafting this flavorful dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 4 cups of water in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt. Now, slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits. This helps prevent lumps. Lower the heat to low and let it cook. Stir often for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the grits to be thick and creamy. When they are done, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Set the grits aside while you cook the shrimp. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in 1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper, 1/2 cup of diced celery, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes. They should be soft and fragrant. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. This adds a nice aroma. Now, take 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and coat them in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip them once to cook evenly. They should turn pink and firm. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, spoon the creamy grits onto plates. Make a well in the center of the grits. Top with the Cajun shrimp mixture. Be sure to include the sautéed veggies and tomatoes. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some sliced scallions on top. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your Cajun shrimp and grits! To make creamy grits, use stone-ground grits. They cook slowly and give a rich flavor. Start by boiling four cups of water with one teaspoon of salt. Slowly whisk in one cup of grits. This helps avoid lumps. Lower the heat and stir often for 20 to 25 minutes. When thickened, add two tablespoons of butter and one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until melted. This adds creaminess and depth. Cooking shrimp takes just a few minutes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced bell pepper, celery, and onion first. Sauté them for about five minutes. This softens the veggies. Then, add minced garlic and cook for one minute. Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Add them to the skillet, cooking for three to four minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. When they turn pink, they are ready! Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They can become rubbery if cooked too long. Keep an eye on the color. If the shrimp turn a bright pink, they are cooked. Also, do not skip the stirring while cooking grits. It helps them cook evenly. Lastly, taste your dish! Adjust the salt and pepper before serving. This ensures the best flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier. Make Creamier Grits: For even creamier grits, substitute half of the water with chicken broth or add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the cheese. Prep Veggies Ahead: To save time, chop the bell pepper, celery, and onion ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Cajun grits. Replace shrimp with fresh veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a meaty texture. Sauté the veggies in olive oil with Cajun spices. This adds great flavor and keeps it hearty. Serve the seasoned veggies over creamy grits. You still get that rich taste without meat. If shrimp isn’t your favorite, try other seafood. Scallops or fish work well in this dish. Just like shrimp, season them with Cajun spices. Cook the seafood in the same way. Remember to adjust cooking times since seafood can cook faster. Both options will give you a nice twist on the classic dish. Want more heat? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to your shrimp mix. Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also use spicy sausage for an extra kick. Top your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. These will add color and fresh flavor. Each spicy addition will elevate your Cajun shrimp and grits, making it even more tasty. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place the shrimp and grits in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the shrimp from the grits if possible. This keeps the texture nice. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Place the grits in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk to help them loosen up. Stir often until they are warm. For the shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat. Heat them for about 3 to 5 minutes. This ensures they stay juicy and flavorful. If you want to freeze your dish, it’s best to separate the components. Cool the shrimp and grits completely. Place the grits in a freezer-safe bag or container. The shrimp can go in another bag. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cajun Shrimp and Grits comes from Louisiana. It blends African, French, and Spanish food styles. This dish started as a simple meal for fishermen. They used local shrimp and corn grits. Over time, it became a popular dish in many Southern homes. Today, it showcases rich flavors and warm spices. Yes, you can prepare Cajun Shrimp and Grits ahead of time. Cook the grits and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge in sealed containers. When you are ready to eat, reheat both. Add a splash of water to the grits to keep them creamy. This method helps save time on busy days. Many side dishes pair well with Cajun Shrimp and Grits. You might try: - Collard greens - Fried green tomatoes - A fresh garden salad - Cornbread - Pickled vegetables These sides balance the rich flavors of the shrimp and grits. They also add more textures to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! In this article, I covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making delicious Cajun shrimp and grits. You learned how to pick fresh shrimp, prepare creamy grits, and avoid common mistakes. Don't forget the variations you can try and the best ways to store leftovers. Cajun shrimp and grits is a dish full of flavor and creativity. With practice, you can make it perfect every time. Enjoy your cooking!

Cajun Delight Shrimp & Grits

A flavorful dish combining creamy grits with spicy Cajun shrimp and sautéed vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 cup scallions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Grits: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits are thick and creamy. Stir in the butter and cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Season the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning until well coated. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping once until pink and cooked through. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomatoes are soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Combine and Serve: Spoon the creamy grits onto plates, making a well in the center. Top with the Cajun shrimp mixture, ensuring to include the sautéed vegetables and tomatoes.
  • Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions for added freshness and a pop of color.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade Cajun seasoning if available.
Keyword Cajun, grits, seafood, shrimp