Cajun Shrimp and Grits
This Cajun Shrimp and Grits will be the BEST you’ve ever tried! Smoked gouda is used to give the grits the best flavor, and the gravy is made from bacon!
New Orleans is one of my favorite places to visit. I love the vibrancy of the city, the architecture, the music and of course, the food! A few years ago, Cajun Shrimp and Grits started popping up on restaurant menus in Kansas City, but I was hesitant to try it.
Two years ago, I visited New Orleans for a friend’s bachelorette party. I was wowed by the Shrimp and Grits at Red Fish Grill on Bourbon Street.
They were so incredibly rich and delicious, but I think the primary ingredient was butter! I vowed that upon my return, I would find a recipe that didn’t require me to go full Paula Deen.
The thing I love most about this recipe is that it packs a big flavor punch, but is surprisingly simple to make. Dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes, using only two pans! This is one of my husbands favorite meals and he requests it regularly.
A simple but decadent bacon gravy is used to cook the shrimp. Smoked gouda or cheddar cheese is the perfect addition to balance the creamy grits with the spicy, decadent shrimp. I serve this Cajun Shrimp and Grits with hot sauce so everyone can make the heat level to their liking!
Close your eyes, and you just might imagine you’re on Bourbon Street eating these amazing Creole Shrimp and Grits!
Note: I have a hard time finding grits in the Midwest. If all you can find is instant grits, that’s okay. You may also want to check the bulk foods or natural foods section of the grocery store. That is typically where I find them.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
The perfect shrimp and grits! Lemon and hot sauce marinated shrimp, sauteed in a bacon gravy, and served over grits with smoked gouda cheese.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2-3 dashes of hot sauce
- juice of 1 lemon
For the cheese grits:
- 1 cup of corn grits
- 3 cups of water
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cheese, grated or shredded (gouda or cheddar)
For the gravy:
- 8 ounces bacon, diced, uncooked
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¼ cup green onions, diced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Dethaw shrimp and drain of any liquid. In a medium sized bowl, mix together shrimp, lemon juice and several dashes of hot sauce. Add a few dashes of salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
For the grits
- Fill a medium sized pot with water and bring to boil. Add a dash of salt. Add grits to boiling water and immediately reduce burner heat to low. Cook for five minutes on low, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, gently fold in shredded cheese. Cover with a cloth and let stand.
For the shrimp
- In a medium sized skillet, saute the chopped bacon and onions for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- Push the onions, bacon and garlic to one side of the pan. Do not drain the grease.
- Slowly add flour to the skillet.. I like to add one spoonful at a time, and then stir until a paste is formed.
- Add the chicken stock and green onions to the pan. Whisk vigorously while bringing the mixture to a rolling boil on medium heat.
- Add the shrimp to the gravy and cook on medium heat until they are cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- Add butter, stir until melted through. Serve the shrimp and gravy quickly over grits while still hot.
Notes
- *We prefer smoked gouda or smoked cheddar.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 4Amount Per Serving Calories 573Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 320mgSodium 2422mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 52g
The nutrition for this recipe is calculated by an app and may be incorrect.
