Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits
Savor this traditional Southern dish: Creamy Grits with Blackened Cajun Shrimp. A fragrant, creamy Cajun sauce is drizzled over thick, cheesy grits and served with perfectly pan-seared, juicy, seasoned shrimp. A wonderful lunch any day of the week, this recipe is hearty, warm, and easy to prepare.
⏱ Time Required:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Grits:
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth (or water)
½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove (minced)
½ tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Grits
- In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until thick.
- Stir in the heavy cream, oil, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and keep warm.
Step 2: Blacken the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and all seasonings until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, parmesan, and Cajun seasoning.
- Stir until smooth, then add lemon juice and simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon the creamy grits onto a plate.
- Top with the blackened shrimp.
- Drizzle with the sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits – Tips & Q/A
Tips for the Best Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits:
- Use Fresh Shrimp – If possible, use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.
- Get a Good Sear – A hot skillet ensures the shrimp blacken properly without overcooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Adjust the Spice – Control the heat by modifying the cayenne in the Cajun seasoning.
- Creamy Grits Perfection – Stir the grits often and add extra cheese or butter for ultra-richness.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque (about 2 minutes per side).
❓ Q/A Section
Q: Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought Cajun or Creole seasoning works well. Just adjust the salt as some blends are saltier than others.
Q: What if I don’t have grits?
A: You can substitute mashed potatoes, polenta, or even cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The grits can be made in advance and reheated with a little extra milk. The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but you can season them ahead of time for quick cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut milk or almond milk in the grits and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative.
Q: What goes well with this dish?
A: Try serving it with collard greens, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits – Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of the recipe)
Servings: 4
Estimated Nutrition Breakdown:
Calories: ~450-500 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~2g
Fat: ~22g
Saturated Fat: ~10g
Cholesterol: ~275mg
Sodium: ~800-1000mg (varies with seasoning)
Notes:
To lower calories or fat, reduce butter and cheese in the grits.
To make it low-carb, substitute grits with mashed cauliflower.
To reduce sodium, use a homemade Cajun seasoning with less salt.