Cajun Butter Shrimp & Corn Grits Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Cajun Butter Shrimp & Corn Grits Recipe brings the warmth of Southern cuisine straight to your kitchen. Tender, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a spiced Cajun butter sauce and served over a bed of creamy, cheesy corn grits. Perfect for dinner or brunch, this flavorful dish combines the smokiness of Cajun seasoning with the rich comfort of grits for a meal that’s indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients
    For the Shrimp
  • 500 g large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • For the Corn Grits
  • 1 cup stone-ground corn grits
  • 4 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
    • For Serving
  • Lemon wedges (optional)
  • Extra parsley or green onions (chopped)
Instructions
    Prepare the Grits Base
  1. 1
    In a medium saucepan, bring water (or chicken broth) and milk to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in the corn grits to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15–20 minutes until the grits are thick and creamy.
    2. Enrich the Grits
  2. 2
    Once the grits are cooked, stir in butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Keep warm while preparing the shrimp.
    3. Season the Shrimp
  3. 3
    In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with spices.
    4. Cook the Shrimp
  4. 4
    Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
    5. Make the Cajun Butter Sauce
  5. 5
    Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce heat to low. Add lemon juice and swirl the pan to create a smooth, buttery sauce. Let the shrimp absorb the flavor for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley before turning off the heat.
    6. Assemble the Dish
  6. 6
    Spoon the warm, creamy grits into serving bowls. Top with Cajun butter shrimp and drizzle the extra pan sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Note

Adjusting spice: For a milder version, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper.

Make it creamier: Replace half of the water with heavy cream for extra rich grits.

Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat grits with a splash of milk or water.

Shrimp alternative: You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a similar Cajun flavor.

Keywords: spicy shrimp, creamy grits, Southern comfort food, easy dinner, Cajun recipe
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/cajun-butter-shrimp-corn-grits-recipe/