I’m serving up a true Southern classic with a delicious twist: Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter. This dish combines spicy, flavorful Cajun shrimp with creamy, cheesy grits, all drizzled in rich garlic butter for the ultimate comfort meal. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish will have you licking your plate clean!
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the traditional shrimp and grits you’ll find in the South, but with a bit more spice and a luxurious garlic butter drizzle that takes it to the next level. Ready to dive into this soul-satisfying meal? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
For the Cajun Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For the Grits
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Grits
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil.
- Stir in the grits and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the grits are thick and creamy.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Season the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Stir in the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
Assemble the Dish
- Divide the cheesy grits among bowls.
- Top each serving with a generous portion of Cajun shrimp.
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter immediately, with extra lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or more cheese into the grits.
- You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Bringing It All Together:
So, there you have it – Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Butter, a Southern classic with bold flavors and creamy textures that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. If you have any questions or need adjustments for dietary needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from you all and helping you create delicious memories in your kitchen.
