This mouthwatering Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe is so easy, and best of all, it’s made from scratch! Try it with the easy Cheesy Homestyle Grits.
Ingredients
¾lb.large shrimp, peeled to the tail, de-veined
1Teaspoonpaprika
1Teaspoonred pepper flakes
½Teaspooncayenne
Pinchof salt and pepper
Grits:
1Cupstone-ground grits
2Cupswater
1Cupheavy cream
3Tablespoonsbutter
½Cupgrated cheddar cheese
Pinchof salt and pepper
Sauce:
2Tablespoonsbutter
2Tablespoonsall-purpose flour
1Tablespoongarlic
1scallion, minced (divide the green and white part)
1cupseafood stock or clam juice
½Cupheavy cream
1TeaspoonWorcestershire sauce
1Teaspoonhot sauce
Instructions
Peel and clean the shrimp but leave the tails on. Toss shrimp with spice mix.
For grits, cook according to package but I recommend using at least one cup of cream to get the grits very creamy. Once your grits are thick, whisk in the cheese.
If your grits ever get to thick, just whisk in a few tablespoons of milk.
Add butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add shrimp. Cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side depending on the size. I used 16-20 count and they cooked in about 6-7 minutes.
Once the shrimp come out of the pot, add butter straight to it and scrape up as many bits as possible. Add scallions and garlic and stir. Cook for a minute or two to soften the veggies.
Add flour to the pan and whisk together. Cook for a minute or two until the flour starts to turn a very light tan color. This is the roux for the sauce.
Next add stock to the pan and stir slowly.
Once the juice has cooked down and is simmering, add cream, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to whisk until it has the consistency of a light gravy.
Plate this dish with a bed of the grits, add some shrimp on top, and finish with the sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions and/or hot sauce.