4.6 from 7 votes

Cajun Shrimp & Grits is a classic Southern dish that is both delicious and easy to make in no time. This wonderful recipe is made with creamy cheesy grits, juicy shrimp, and a flavorful sauce. It can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Grits of any kind is always welcomed in my home and the cheesier the better. My shrimp and grits recipe is one I have used for years. Gather your ingredients and make this easy and delicious dish that I am sure will become one of your favorite meal too.

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How to Make Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a soul food classic dish. You will find it on every soul food restaurant menu and it is enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner alike. Shrimp and Grits take some skill to make, but when prepared properly it is such a wonderful treat.

Prepare the grits. What kind of grits can you use to make Shrimp & Grits? For this recipe I used Bob’s Red Mill Corn Grits (Polenta). You can use the grits of your choice. I just love the creamy texture of these polenta grits.
Cook your meat. Dice the slice bacon into small bit size piece and fry them until they are crispy and golden. Next dice the andouille sausage and cook them until they are slightly crispy.
Saute your veggie. Saute the onions and garlic until they are fragrant (approximately 2 minutes).
Making the sauce. Melt the butter in the same pan then add the flour and mix until you create a roux. Pour in the seafood stock (you can substitute chicken stock, chicken broth or vegetable stock), then bring to a light simmer.
Combine flavors. Return the bacon and sausage, then add the shrimp. Cook until all of your flavors have blended nicely.

Watch the Video ( Video Tutorial Shrimp and Grits)

What you will need

Ingredients for Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp – Shrimp serves as the full of flavor main ingredient to this dish.
Bacon: Bacon adds a rich, savory layer of flavor to the dish.
Andouille Sausage: Andouille Sausage is a spicy kick that enhances the dish with its signature Cajun flair.
All-Purpose Flour: All-Purpose Flour is used to thicken the gravy.
Grits: Grits are the creamy co-star of the dish that provide the hearty, creamy base for the dish.
Garlic: Garlic infuses the sauce with a garlicky aromatic flavor.
Mild Cheddar Cheese: Mild Cheddar Cheese adds the cheesy richness to the grits.
Seafood Stock: Seafood Stock add the seafood flavor to the sauce.
Water: Water is used to cook the grits for a smooth consistency.
Milk– Milk adds creaminess to the grits while balancing their texture.
Heavy Cream -Heavy Cream is used to thicken the grits and give it a creamy richness.
Butter – Butter enhances the grits’ creaminess and overall flavor.
Onion – Onions add sweetness and depth to the shrimp and sausage mixture.
Green Onion – Green Onion serve as a fresh garnish mild, oniony bite.
Black Pepper – Black pepper adds to the Shrimp and grits a mild spice.
Salt – Salt adds the flavor that brings all the flavors togethers.
Cajun Seasoning – Cajun Seasoning give the dish it’s familiar cajun flavor and adds a bold kick of spice the dish.

Instructions for 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.

Andouille Sausage for Southern Shrimp and Grits

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 eat 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.

Here are some 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 grits. They 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!

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Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Recipe by Soul Food Cooking

4.6 from 7 votes

Course: MainCuisine: American, Soul Food, SouthernDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Ingredients

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.

Soul Food Cooking

Shrimp and Grits – A Delicious Southern Classic