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, and it is always welcomed in my home as one of my family’s favorite dishes,  My recipe is one I have used for years. The grits are cheese grits that are buttery and creamy and warms the soul. The sauce is made with bacon and andouille sausage to give it that familiar cajun flavor we all know and love.

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.

1. Watch the Video ( Video Tutorial Shrimp and Grits)

2. Ingredients

Shrimp, Bacon, Andouille Sausage, All-Purpose Flour, Bob’s Red Mill Corn Grits, Garlic, Mild Cheddar Cheese, Seafood Stock, Water, Milk, Heavy Cream, Butter, Onion, Green Onions, Black Pepper, Salt and Cajun Seasoning

2. 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.

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

Now sauté the onion for 1 minute then add the garlic and continue to saute for an additional minute.

Step 5: 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!

Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Recipe by Soul Food Cooking

5.0 from 2 votes

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

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

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. ​​

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