Spicy Southern Shrimp and Grits
It’s hard to believe how comforting, creamy and flavorful these Spicy Southern Shrimp and Grits are. Topped with spicy sautéed shrimp and based with a beautifully creamy cheesy blanket of Southern grits, this easy meal is sure to please to be a major crowd-pleaser! Dairy-free options available.
Ingredients
CREAMY GRITS:
- 1 Creamy Southern Cheese Grits CLICK FOR RECIPE
CAJUN SHRIMP:
- 1 lb. wild-caught jumbo shrimp deveined
- 3 Tbsps. unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1-2 Tbsps. Cajun seasoning
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper optional (You can also use habanero pepper)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
HOMEMADE CAJUN SEASONING:
- 2 Tbsps. garlic powder
- 2 Tbsps. Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsps. smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
TO MAKE HOMEMADE CAJUN SEASONING:
- Mix all Cajun seasoning ingredients together in a bowl and set aside until ready to use.
TO MAKE THE CREAMY SOUTHERN GRITS:
- Follow the instructions in my Creamy Southern Cheese Grits recipe.
SAUTE THE SHRIMP:
- In a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 Tbsps. of butter until melted. Add in the minced garlic to sauté frequently about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add in the shrimp (seasoned w/ 2 Tbsps. of Cajun seasoning) and cook on both sides (about 3-4 minutes), until pink and cook through. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter (along with the 1 scotch bonnet) and let everything simmer for another minute until shrimp are coated with a light sauce/gravy from the butter and seasonings.
- In serving bowls, spread the grits into the bottoms of the bowls and top with sautéed shrimp. Sprinkle red pepper flakes (optional) atop and serve immediately.
- Bon Appétit!
STORAGE:
- Leftovers can be kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Re-heat when ready to serve.
SPICES/HERBS:
- If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
CAJUN SEASONING (STORAGE):
- Any leftover Cajun seasoning mix can be stored in a Ziplock bag for later use or used as garnish.
DAIRY-FREE OPTION:
- To make these shrimp + grits entirely dairy-free, just substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter, the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream/milk, and the cheese with dairy-free shreds or nutritional yeast.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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