Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
When we're craving southern comfort food, nothing hits the spot like Cajun shrimp and grits. Between the cheesy grits, spicy shrimp and smoky bacon, this dish is the very definition of full-flavored.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups water
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups quick-cooking grits
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 8 bacon strips, chopped
  • 2 pounds uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and butter until melted; keep warm.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir shrimp in bacon drippings until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and parsley.
  3. Divide grits among 8 serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture and the bacon.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 560 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 968mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.

I was born and raised in the South. A few years ago I moved temporarily to Pennsylvania, where good southern comfort food was hard to find. So I created this creamy, smoky Cajun shrimp and grits dish to remind me of home. —Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida
Recipe Creator
Community Cook

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