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Overhead shot of a plate of Spicy Southern Shrimp and Grits
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5 from 2 votes

Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits

These creamy Southern grits and cajun-spiced shrimp are full of flavor and full comfort in every bite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
Keyword: cajun, comfort foods, dinner, easy, food, grits, recipe, savory, seafood, shrimp, southern, spicy
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 243kcal
Author: Shanika

Ingredients

CREAMY GRITS:

  • 1 Creamy Southern Cheese 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
US Customary - Metric

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:

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!

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 647mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1352IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg