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Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

This Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe is a creamy, cheesy Southern classic featuring tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful blend of spices, garlic, and lemon, served over rich, buttery, and cheesy grits. Enhanced with crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and bold Cajun flavors ideal for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grits

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup quick cooking grits
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¾ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce (like Louisiana hot sauce)
  • Salt to taste

For the Shrimp and Toppings

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 scallions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  2. Season the Grits: Whisk in the butter, sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, hot sauce, and ¾ teaspoon salt. Mix until fully combined. Keep the grits warm in a 200°F oven or on the stove over low heat until ready to serve.
  3. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. Prepare the Pan for Sautéing: Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet and discard the rest or save it for later use. Add olive oil to the skillet and mix with the bacon drippings. Heat over medium until hot.
  5. Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  6. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the mushrooms, cooking and stirring occasionally until shrimp are almost cooked through, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add Garlic and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, dry white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt to taste. Cook for about 1 minute or until the liquid has nearly evaporated.
  8. Finish and Serve: Stir in the sliced scallions and crispy bacon. Serve the shrimp mixture immediately over the warm cheesy grits.

Notes

  • Use quick cooking grits for faster preparation, but stone-ground grits can be used for a heartier texture (adjust cooking time accordingly).
  • Adjust hot sauce amount to your preferred heat level.
  • Keep grits warm gently to prevent them from thickening too much before serving.
  • Peel and devein shrimp ahead of time to streamline cooking.
  • If dry white wine is unavailable, chicken broth is a good substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp and grits, shrimp recipe, Southern cuisine, cheesy grits, bacon shrimp, quick shrimp dinner

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/cajun-shrimp-and-grits-recipe/