Few dishes capture the heart and soul of Southern cooking quite like Cajun shrimp and grits. This comforting, flavor-packed dish brings together tender, spicy shrimp and creamy, buttery grits, creating a perfect balance of heat, richness, and texture. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, shrimp and grits is a timeless favorite across Louisiana and the South.
The secret to authentic Cajun shrimp and grits lies in bold seasoning and quality ingredients. Cajun seasoning infuses the shrimp with smoky heat, while ingredients like garlic, butter, lemon, and broth create a deep, flavorful sauce. The grits, slow-cooked to perfection, are cheesy, creamy, and smooth, making every bite unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through an easy, step-by-step Cajun shrimp and grits recipe, covering:
✅ The best ingredients for creamy grits
✅ How to perfectly season and cook Cajun shrimp
✅ Pro tips for making restaurant-quality shrimp and grits at home
Whether you’re a Southern food lover or trying this dish for the first time, this Cajun shrimp and grits recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp and Grits
To make authentic Cajun shrimp and grits, you’ll need fresh seafood, creamy grits, and bold seasonings. Here’s everything you need for the perfect balance of spice, richness, and texture.
Essential Ingredients for the Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (for the best creamy texture)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons butter (adds creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
Ingredients for the Cajun Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for richness)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a deep smoky flavor)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth to the sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth for extra flavor)
- Juice of 1 lemon (brightens up the dish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for freshness)
Optional Additions for More Flavor
Want to take your Cajun shrimp and grits to the next level? Try these delicious add-ons:
- Crispy bacon – Adds a smoky crunch to the dish.
- Andouille sausage – Enhances the Cajun flavors with a bold, smoky kick.
- Sautéed mushrooms or tomatoes – Adds a richer, deeper flavor to the sauce.
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes – If you love extra heat!
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making this delicious Southern classic.
Step 1: Cooking the Creamy Grits
- Boil the Liquid:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder for flavor.
- Slowly Add the Grits:
- Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to prevent clumping.
- Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer Until Creamy:
- Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add 1 cup heavy cream halfway through cooking for extra richness.
- Add Cheese and Butter:
- Once the grits are soft and creamy, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons butter.
- Mix until smooth and creamy, then cover and keep warm.
Step 2: Preparing the Cajun Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss 1 pound of shrimp with:
✅ 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
✅ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
✅ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
✅ ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper - Mix well to coat evenly.
- In a bowl, toss 1 pound of shrimp with:
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Making a Flavorful Cajun Sauce
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and add 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan (this adds flavor!).
- Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in juice of 1 lemon, then let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return Shrimp to the Pan:
- Toss the shrimp in the sauce and cook for 1 minute, coating them evenly.
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
- Plate the Grits:
- Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits onto a serving plate.
- Top with Cajun Shrimp:
- Arrange the shrimp over the grits, making sure to drizzle some of the flavorful Cajun sauce on top.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley for freshness.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges and hot sauce for more heat!
Now you have a rich, creamy, and boldly spiced Cajun shrimp and grits that’s ready to enjoy!
Variations of Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Cajun shrimp and grits is highly customizable, and you can easily adjust flavors, spice levels, and ingredients to make it your own. Here are some delicious variations to try!
1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits 🌶️
For those who love extra heat, this version brings bold spice to the dish.
How to Make It Spicy:
- Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon in the shrimp seasoning.
- Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Mix in a dash of Louisiana hot sauce or sriracha before serving.
- Use mesquite or hickory-smoked bacon for a deeper, spicier flavor.
🔥 Best Served With: A side of cornbread and a cold beer!
2. Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits 🥛
This version is extra rich and indulgent, with a velvety sauce that coats the shrimp and grits beautifully.
How to Make It Creamy:
- Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the Cajun sauce before simmering.
- Use extra butter (1 tablespoon more) for a silkier texture.
- Increase the cheese in the grits to 1½ cups for extra cheesiness.
🥄 Best Served With: A glass of white wine and garlic toast!
3. Bacon and Andouille Shrimp and Grits 🥓
This version adds smoky, meaty flavors with crispy bacon and spicy andouille sausage.
How to Add Bacon & Sausage:
- Cook 4 strips of bacon until crispy, then crumble them over the grits.
- Slice ½ pound of andouille sausage and sauté it with the shrimp for extra smokiness.
- Use bacon fat instead of butter for cooking the shrimp!
🍴 Best Served With: A side of collard greens or pickled okra!
4. Healthy Cajun Shrimp and Grits 🥗
Looking for a lighter, low-carb option? This version keeps all the flavor without the extra calories.
How to Make It Healthier:
- Swap stone-ground grits for cauliflower grits.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the grits.
- Reduce butter to 1 tablespoon and use olive oil instead.
- Grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying for a lighter, smoky flavor.
🥑 Best Served With: A fresh side salad with a lemon vinaigrette!
5. Tomato-Based Cajun Shrimp and Grits 🍅
Inspired by New Orleans-style Creole cooking, this version features a rich, tomato-based sauce.
How to Make a Tomato-Based Sauce:
- Add ½ cup diced tomatoes and ½ cup tomato sauce to the Cajun sauce.
- Simmer with a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Use fresh basil instead of parsley for a more Mediterranean twist.
🍅 Best Served With: A side of buttery French bread to soak up the sauce!
Each of these variations brings a unique twist to classic Cajun shrimp and grits.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp and Grits
To make perfect Cajun shrimp and grits, follow these expert tips for the best texture, flavor, and balance.
1. Choosing the Best Shrimp
- Use large or jumbo shrimp (16/20 count) – They stay juicy and don’t overcook easily.
- Fresh is best, but if using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
- Peeled and deveined shrimp save time, but shell-on shrimp add more flavor when cooked.
2. Getting the Right Grits Texture
- Stone-ground grits are the best choice for authentic, creamy grits. Avoid instant grits for the best texture.
- Stir often while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Use a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream for rich, flavorful grits.
- If grits get too thick, add a splash of broth or milk while stirring.
3. Balancing Flavors in the Cajun Sauce
- Use butter AND olive oil – Butter adds richness, while olive oil prevents burning.
- Cajun seasoning varies in saltiness, so adjust salt levels to taste.
- Lemon juice or white wine brightens the flavors and balances the spice.
- Simmer the sauce briefly to allow all the flavors to meld together.
4. Avoid Overcooking Shrimp
- Shrimp cook fast! 1–2 minutes per side is enough. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery.
- Remove shrimp from the heat immediately when they turn pink and opaque.
- Let the shrimp rest for a minute before serving to keep them tender.
5. Perfect Pairings for Cajun Shrimp and Grits
- Cornbread or garlic toast – Soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Collard greens or sautéed spinach – Adds a fresh, earthy contrast.
- Crispy bacon or andouille sausage – Enhances smoky, spicy flavors.
- A drizzle of hot sauce or extra lemon – Adjusts spice and acidity levels to your liking.
FAQs About Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Here are answers to some common questions to help you make the perfect Cajun shrimp and grits every time!
1. What Type of Grits Should I Use?
- Stone-ground grits – Best for authentic, creamy texture (takes longer to cook).
- Quick grits – A faster option, but less creamy and flavorful.
- Instant grits – Not recommended; they lack the rich texture of stone-ground grits.
2. Can I Make Shrimp and Grits Ahead of Time?
Yes, but some adjustments are needed:
- Grits: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Shrimp: Best cooked fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers and reheat them gently in a pan for 1–2 minutes.
3. How Can I Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits Spicier?
- Increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve with a side of hot sauce or sriracha.
- Use spicy andouille sausage for extra heat.
4. What Can I Serve with Shrimp and Grits?
- Cornbread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Collard greens or sautéed spinach – Adds a fresh, earthy balance.
- Roasted vegetables – Like asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.
- Garlic bread or biscuits – For an extra buttery side.
5. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply swap:
- Butter → Olive oil
- Heavy cream → Coconut milk or cashew cream
- Cheddar cheese → Dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast
Conclusion
Cajun shrimp and grits is a Southern comfort food classic, blending bold, spicy shrimp with rich, creamy grits for an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re making it for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to customize and packed with flavor.
To make the best Cajun shrimp and grits, remember:
✅ Use stone-ground grits for the creamiest texture.
✅ Season shrimp well with Cajun spices for bold flavor.
✅ Balance the dish with fresh lemon juice, butter, and herbs.
✅ Avoid overcooking the shrimp—just 1–2 minutes per side is enough!
✅ Experiment with variations like spicy, creamy, or bacon-loaded versions.
Whether you serve it with cornbread, collard greens, or crispy bacon, this dish is sure to impress. Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to grab your ingredients and bring the taste of the South to your table!