Description
A classic Southern dish featuring seasoned shrimp served over creamy grits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the grits according to package directions, using water or broth. Stir in the heavy cream and cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep warm.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the 1 cup of chicken broth and the white wine, if using. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Do not overcook.
- Spoon the creamy grits into bowls. Top with the Cajun shrimp and sauce.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the water with milk when cooking the grits.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 250
Keywords: Cajun, shrimp, grits, Southern food, seafood, comfort food