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Creamy Cajun Butter Shrimp and Grits Recipe Easy Bold Flavor

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A quick and easy Southern-inspired dish featuring large shrimp coated in a bold Cajun butter sauce served over creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and tender, about 25-30 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
  2. Season the shrimp: Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Sauté the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Make the Cajun butter sauce: Lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Add cream and finish sauce: Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat and warm through.
  6. Assemble and serve: Spoon creamy cheddar grits onto plates. Top with Cajun butter shrimp and sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Stir grits frequently and cook low and slow to prevent lumps. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen. Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning for gluten-free version. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, Cajun shrimp, creamy grits, butter shrimp, Southern recipe, quick dinner, spicy shrimp

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-cajun-butter-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-easy-bold-flavor/