How to Make the Perfect Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Cajun · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
This bold and comforting Southern dish features plump shrimp tossed in smoky Cajun spices served over a bed of rich and creamy stone ground grits. It is a satisfying one pan meal that brings the flavors of New Orleans straight to your kitchen.
Why this recipe works
This Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup stone ground grits
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 oz andouille sausage sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the grits
Bring 4 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the stone ground grits and reduce heat to low. Cook stirring frequently for 20 to 25 minutes until thick and creamy then stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and all of the cheddar cheese.
Step 2: Season the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss them in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Make sure every piece is well covered for maximum flavor in the finished dish.
Step 3: Brown the sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy then remove and set aside leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Step 4: Cook the shrimp and sauce
Add remaining butter to the same skillet and saute the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side then pour in the chicken broth and return the sausage to the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Assemble and serve
Spoon a generous portion of creamy cheddar grits into each bowl and top with the Cajun shrimp and sausage mixture. Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the top and garnish with sliced green onions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- stone ground grits → quick cooking grits to reduce the total cooking time significantly
- andouille sausage → smoked kielbasa or chorizo for a similar smoky spicy flavor
- sharp cheddar cheese → Gruyere or Parmesan for a different but equally rich cheesy result
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the shrimp until they become rubbery which happens very quickly so watch them closely
- Not stirring the grits frequently enough which causes them to stick and burn on the bottom
- Using instant grits instead of stone ground which results in a much less flavorful and textured base
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 34g protein, 48g carbs, 22g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →