Last Updated on August 23, 2025 by Barbara
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My Soul Food Take on the Ultimate Shrimp and Grits
Hi I’m Barbara!
Cajun Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern dish that is both elegant and comforting. While many people think it takes quite a bit of skill to master, I have found a way to make this dish perfect every time. If you follow my step by step instructions, your shrimp and grits will be perfect.
My low country Shrimp and Grits recipe is made with creamy cheesy grits, juicy shrimp, and a flavorful sauce. It is a meal I have made for many years and is a family favorite for Sunday brunch. Once you try it I’m sure it will become a favorite of yours too!
What Makes This Recipe So Reliable?
- A Tested Family Recipe: I have used this recipe for many years and it is a family and friends favorite.
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for this recipe are pantry and fridge staples.
- Easy instructions: I will walk you through each part of the recipe to make it easy to follow along and understand.
What you will need for this recipe
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp and Grits
- Shrimp – main ingredient to this dish. Use large, fresh shrimp (or thawed frozen shrimp) for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon – adds a rich, savory layer of flavor to the dish.
- Andouille Sausage – a spicy kick that enhances the dish with its signature Cajun flair.
- All-Purpose Flour – used to thicken the gravy.
- Grits – the creamy co-star of the dish. For this recipe I used Bob’s Red Mill Corn Grits (Polenta).
- Garlic – Garlic infuses the sauce with a garlicky aromatic flavor.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese – adds the cheesy richness to the grits.
- Seafood Stock – add the seafood flavor to the sauce.
- Water: used to cook the grits for a smooth consistency.
- Milk– adds creaminess to the grits while balancing their texture.
- Heavy Cream –used to thicken the grits and give it a creamy richness.
- Butter – enhances the grits’ creaminess and overall flavor.
- Onion – add sweetness and depth to the shrimp and sausage mixture.
- Green Onion – serve as a fresh garnish mild, oniony bite.
- Black Pepper –adds mild spice.
- Salt – adds the flavor that brings all the flavors togethers.
- Cajun Seasoning – adds a bold kick of spice the dish.
- For the Polenta you can substitute traditional grits.
- For more or less kick, you can adjust the cajun seasoning and the spice of the andouille sausage instead of For a milder taste, some common sausage substitutions include smoked beef sausage, chicken sausage or turkey sausage.
Step by Step Instructions for Southern Shrimp and Grits
Watch the Video ( Video Tutorial Shrimp and Grits)
Step 1: Making the Grits
To make the grits, add a teaspoon of salt to a pot of water then using medium-high heat bring the water to a light boil. Next, whisk in the grits then return the liquid to a boil. Add the heavy cream and milk then allow the grits to cook on medium heat for 15 minutes stirring frequently.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the grits to sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes add the mild cheddar cheese (if you prefer you may substitute sharp cheddar cheese).
Step 2: Make the Bacon and Andouille Sausage
Bring your skillet to temperature using medium-high heat then fry the bacon for 5 minutes. After the bacon is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the pan and place them on paper towels to remove the excess oil.
Using the same skillet, cook the sausage for 3 minutes. Once the sausage is done, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Saute The Onion and Garlic
Sauté the onion for 1 minute then add the garlic and continue to saute for an additional minute.
Step 4: Making the Gravy for the Shrimp and Grits
Melt the butter then stir in the flour until it is just browned. It’s important to cook the flour until browned to ensure optimal flavor. Pour in the seafood stock and bring to a light boil.
Now return the bacon and sausage to the pan. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes. Season with the Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Finally add the green onion then simmer for approximately 2 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Shrimp and grits?
Shrimp & Grits are a great choice for breakfast, a Sunday Brunch or Dinner. It can be a stand alone meal in itself but serving it with collard greens, fried chicken for dinner or as a side with chicken and waffles is not uncommon. However you choice it will definitely be a great addition to any meal.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Shrimp and Grits
- Use fresh shrimp when possible: Frozen shrimp are an option but for a great taste, fresh ingredients are best.
- Use good quality grits: Stone ground grits will give you great flavor and texture. I do not recommend using instant grits.
- Don’t overcook: The key to great shrimp and grits is not to overcook either. The grits should be creamy but not mushy. Don’t overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque when cooked through.
- Season the dish to taste: Add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning to your liking.
Like this Shrimp and Grits Recipe? Here are More Great Recipe Just for You!
- Seafood Gumbo – Cajun Classic Recipe!
- Southern Fried Fish – simply delicious!
- Shrimp Etouffee – seafood cajun delight!
- Dirty Rice – a great side dish for any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Sauté them in a preheated skillet with butter or oil for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be mindful that shrimp cooks fast and time is of the essence to prevent overcooking.
Adding chicken broth instead of water will add extra flavor to the grits. Also adding garlic and/or onions can bring a unique depth of flavor to your grits.
Shrimp and Grits Recipe
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
4 slices Bacon
1 13oz Andouille Sausage
2 Tbsps All-purpose Flour
1 Cup Bob’s Red Mill Corn Grits
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1 Cup Mild Cheddar Cheese
2 Cups Seafood Stock
4 Cups Water
2 Cups Milk
¼ Cup Heavy Cream
2 Tbsps Butter
1/2 Cup . Onion
2 Green Onions
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 tsps Salt
1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
Directions
- Add 1 tsp of salt to water then bring to a light boil.
- Whisk in the grits then bring to a boil.
- Add the heavy cream and milk then allow the grits to cook on medium heat for 15 minutes stirring frequently.
- After 15 minutes turn off the heat and allow grits to sit for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes add the cheese.
- In a frying pan fry the bacon for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the sausage for 3 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Now sauté the onion for 1 minute then add the garlic.
- Melt the butter then stir in the flour until it is just browned.
- Pour in the seafood stock and bring to a light boil.
- Now return the bacon and sausage to the pan.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.
- Season with the Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Finally add the green onion then simmer for approximately 2 minutes before serving.
Recipe Video
I’m Barbara, a dentist by day, a published cookbook author, and a passionate content creator by night. I’ve been sharing my love for authentic Soul Food, Southern and classic comfort food recipes for over a decade. My easy, family-friendly recipes, available as step-by-step guides on my blog and video tutorials on my YouTube channel, have been tested by millions of home cooks. My goal is to help you bring the delicious, time-honored dishes I’ve perfected to your family’s table.
