Why Make This Recipe?
If you’re craving classic Southern comfort food, nothing beats Shrimp & Grits! This dish features creamy, buttery grits topped with juicy Cajun-spiced shrimp and smothered in a rich, spicy Cajun butter sauce. It’s savory, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner!
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Make Southern Shrimp & Grits with Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce
Ingredients
For the Creamy Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick-cooking grits)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Grits
- Boil the Liquid: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth (or water) and salt to a boil.
- Add Grits: Slowly stir in the grits, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, black pepper, and mix until smooth. Keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in Worcestershire sauce and chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Add lemon juice and stir. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Plate the Grits: Spoon the creamy grits into bowls.
- Top with Shrimp: Arrange the Cajun shrimp over the grits.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Pour the spicy Cajun butter sauce over the shrimp and grits.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle with green onions and parsley for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Southern Shrimp & Grits
- Classic Style: Serve as-is with extra hot sauce on the side.
- Fancy Upgrade: Add a fried or poached egg on top.
- Extra Crunch: Serve with a side of crispy bacon or fried okra.
- Spicy Kick: Drizzle with hot honey or extra Cajun butter for heat.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store shrimp and grits separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Grits can be frozen for up to 2 months (but shrimp is best fresh).
- Reheat:
- Grits: Warm in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or milk.
- Shrimp: Sauté in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Tips to Make the Best Southern Shrimp & Grits
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture—instant grits will work but won’t be as creamy.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need 2-3 minutes per side.
- For extra depth, cook the grits in half milk, half broth instead of just water.
- Adjust spice level by adding extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
Variation Ideas
- Garlic Parmesan Grits: Stir in Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar for a rich twist.
- Creamy Tomato Cajun Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste to the butter sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Smoky Bacon Shrimp: Cook crispy bacon and use the drippings instead of butter for smoky richness.
- Vegetarian Grits: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu for a meat-free version.
Tips for Success
- Let the grits cook slowly—low heat gives them the best creamy texture.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best taste—frozen shrimp can be used but should be fully thawed first.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
How Many Servings?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Calories and Nutrition Facts Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Fats: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Health Benefits of Southern Shrimp & Grits
- High in Protein: Shrimp provides lean protein for muscle growth.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Butter and olive oil contain essential fats.
- Full of Fiber: Grits are a good source of fiber and energy.
Is It Good for People Over 60 Years Old?
Yes! It’s a soft, easy-to-eat meal that’s high in protein and nutrients. To make it even healthier:
- Use less butter to reduce saturated fat.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt in the grits.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely before cooking and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
2. What can I use instead of grits?
Polenta, mashed cauliflower, or mashed potatoes work well as substitutes.
3. How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, or use a milder version of Cajun spice.
This Southern Shrimp & Grits with Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Louisiana! Try it today and let us know how it turned out!
