Description
This creamy Cajun shrimp and grits recipe is made with Cajun seasoned shrimp, a smoky vegetable sauté, and cheesy grits. This classic Southern comfort food is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 18 jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined – about 1 pound)
- 1½ Tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons plant-based smoky tempeh bits (diced)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup white onion (diced)
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- fresh parsley (minced)
- 1½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup stoneground grits
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step: Coat the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and set aside.
- Step: In a cast iron pan or heavy skillet, cook the smoky tempeh bits over medium heat until browned. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
- Step: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink. Transfer to a plate.
- Step: Add the peppers and onions to the same pan, sautéing for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step: Turn heat to high, add the lemon juice, and scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
- Step: In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth and milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in salt, then gradually add grits, stirring until combined.
- Step: Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 45 to 50 minutes until tender.
- Step: Turn off heat, stir in the remaining butter, cheddar, and parmesan until smooth.
- Step: Serve the shrimp over the grits, spooning the vegetable sauce over the top, and garnish with the smoky tempeh bits and fresh parsley.
Notes
Different types of grits have varying cook times; adjust liquid ratios based on package instructions. This recipe was tested with a homemade Cajun seasoning blend; use a blend that is not overly salty for the best flavor balance.
- Prep Time: PT7M
- Cook Time: PT50M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, grits, southern, comfort food, shrimp and grits, creamy grits