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–+ servings
Spicy Southern Shrimp and Grits

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.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

CREAMY GRITS:

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.
Keyword #northeastnosh #cajunshrimpandgrits #cheesygrits #shrimp #grits #comfortfood #food #foodie #Cajunfood
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