Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Creamy stone-ground grits topped with sautéed shrimp, spicy Andouille sausage, and a tangy creole sauce. This southern-inspired vegan ready in about 70 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 lb sliced Andouille sausage
- 1 red and 1 yellow diced bell peppers
- 1/2 medium diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp creole seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with 1 tsp creole seasoning, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, cook sliced Andouille sausage for 3-4 minutes until browned. Add diced peppers and onion, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and remaining 1 tsp creole seasoning, cooking for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated cheddar until melted. Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve immediately over grits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun Shrimp and Grits take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun Shrimp and Grits for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
Southern vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
